Question

subtract numbers in scientific notation quick check
platelets and red blood cells are components of the blood. a typical platelet and red blood cell have diameters of approximately 2.33×10^(-6) m and 0.0000075 m, respectively. which blood component has a bigger diameter, and approximately by how much? (1 point)
a platelet has a bigger diameter than a red blood cell by 5.17×10^(-6) m.
a platelet has a bigger diameter than a red blood cell by 9.83×10^(-6) m.
a red blood cell has a bigger diameter than a platelet by 9.83×10^(-6) m.
a red blood cell has a bigger diameter than a platelet by 5.17×10^(-6) m.

Explanation:

Step1: Convert red - blood - cell diameter to scientific notation

The diameter of a red blood cell is $0.0000075$ m. In scientific notation, it is $7.5\times 10^{-6}$ m.

Step2: Compare diameters

The diameter of a platelet is $2.33\times 10^{-6}$ m and of a red - blood - cell is $7.5\times 10^{-6}$ m. Since $7.5\times 10^{-6}>2.33\times 10^{-6}$, the red blood cell has a larger diameter.

Step3: Calculate the difference

Subtract the diameter of the platelet from the diameter of the red blood cell: $(7.5\times 10^{-6})-(2.33\times 10^{-6})=(7.5 - 2.33)\times10^{-6}=5.17\times 10^{-6}$ m.

Answer:

A red blood cell has a bigger diameter than a platelet by $5.17\times 10^{-6}$ m.