Question

1. pluto is 5.91x10^9 kilometers from the sun. an astronomical unit is 1.50x10^8 kilometers. how far is pluto from the sun in astronomical units? o 2.54 x 10^-1 astronomical units o 3.94 x 10^1 astronomical units o 0.394 x 10^2 astronomical units o 3.94 x 10^-1 astronomical units

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the conversion formula

To convert kilometers to astronomical units (AU), use the formula: Number of AU = Distance in kilometers / Distance of 1 AU in kilometers.

Step2: Substitute the given values

We know that the distance of Pluto from the sun is $5.91\times 10^{9}$ kilometers and 1 AU = $1.50\times 10^{8}$ kilometers. So, the number of AU is $\frac{5.91\times 10^{9}}{1.50\times 10^{8}}$.

Step3: Use the rule of exponents for division

When dividing numbers in scientific - notation $\frac{a\times 10^{m}}{b\times 10^{n}}=\frac{a}{b}\times 10^{m - n}$. Here, $\frac{5.91}{1.50}\times 10^{9 - 8}$.

Step4: Calculate the quotient of the coefficients

$\frac{5.91}{1.50}=3.94$, and $10^{9 - 8}=10^{1}$. So the result is $3.94\times 10^{1}$ astronomical units.

Answer:

$3.94\times 10^{1}$ astronomical units