Question

for each part below, estimate the number using scientific notation. write your answer as a single digit times a power of ten. (a) the mass of the seed was 0.000028179 grams. estimate using scientific notation: (b) a dolphin at the zoo weighed 4320 pounds. estimate using scientific notation:

Explanation:

Step1: Move decimal for (a)

For 0.000028179, move the decimal 5 places to the right to get a number between 1 and 10. So it becomes $2.8179\times10^{- 5}$. Rounding to a single - digit times a power of ten gives $3\times10^{-5}$.

Step2: Move decimal for (b)

For 4320, move the decimal 3 places to the left to get a number between 1 and 10. So it becomes $4.32\times10^{3}$. Rounding to a single - digit times a power of ten gives $4\times10^{3}$.

Answer:

(a) $3\times10^{-5}$
(b) $4\times10^{3}$