Question

the number of managed honey bee colonies in the united states in 1946 was about $5.8 \times 10^{6}$ colonies. in 2008, the number of managed honey bee colonies was about 2,270,000 colonies. what is the difference in the number of colonies in the united states from 1946 to 2008?\
a. $3.53 \times 10^{7}$ colonies\
b. $1.69 \times 10^{7}$ colonies\
c. $1.69 \times 10^{6}$ colonies\
d. $3.53 \times 10^{6}$ colonies

Explanation:

Step1: Convert 2,270,000 to scientific notation

$2,270,000 = 2.27 \times 10^6$

Step2: Subtract the 2008 value from 1946 value

$5.8 \times 10^6 - 2.27 \times 10^6 = (5.8 - 2.27) \times 10^6$

Step3: Calculate the numerical difference

$5.8 - 2.27 = 3.53$

Step4: Write the final result

$3.53 \times 10^6$

Answer:

D. $3.53 \times 10^6$ colonies