Question

1. according to the 1998 census bureau data, new york city was ranked number 1 in population with a population of approximately $7.3 \times 10^6$. los angeles, california, ranked number 2 with a population of slightly less than half that of new york city. which of the following could be the approximate population for los angeles?

a. 7,300
b. 3,500,000
c. 3,900,000
d. 14,700,000

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate half of NYC's population

First, convert $7.3 \times 10^6$ to standard form: $7,300,000$. Then find half:
$\frac{7,300,000}{2} = 3,650,000$

Step2: Identify value less than this half

We need a number slightly less than $3,650,000$. Compare with options:

• A. $7,300$ is far too small
• B. $3,500,000$ is less than $3,650,000$
• C. $3,900,000$ is greater than $3,650,000$
• D. $14,700,000$ is double NYC's population

Answer:

B. 3,500,000