Question

10/12
kevin moved from a city to a small town. the population of the city is $6 \times 10^5$, which is about 15 times as great as the small town. which expression could represent the approximate population of the small town?
$4 \times 10^4$
$4 \times 10^3$

Explanation:

Step1: Set up division equation

Let $P$ = town population.
$$P = \frac{6 \times 10^5}{15}$$

Step2: Split the division

Separate coefficient and power:
$$P = \frac{6}{15} \times 10^5$$

Step3: Simplify coefficient

Reduce the fraction:
$$\frac{6}{15} = 0.4$$

Step4: Adjust to scientific notation

Rewrite $0.4 \times 10^5$ properly:
$$0.4 \times 10^5 = 4 \times 10^4$$

Answer:

$4 \times 10^4$