Using scientific notation, which of the following is equal to 16,300?

Using scientific notation, which of the following is equal to 16,300?

• A. 1.63 × 10 to the second power
• B. 1.63 × 10 to the third power
• C. 1.63 × 10 to the fourth power
• D. 1.63 × 10 to the fifth power

Answer: (C)

To express the number 16,300 in scientific notation, the goal is to represent it in the form of a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten. Starting with 16,300, we can rewrite this number as 1.63 multiplied by 10 to the power of 4. This transformation involves moving the decimal point in 16,300 four places to the left to arrive at 1.63. Each move to the left of the decimal point corresponds to an increase of one power of ten. Therefore, since the decimal is moved four places, the exponent becomes 4. In this context, the correct representation of 16,300 in scientific notation is indeed 1.63 × 10 to the fourth power, which effectively conveys the original number while adhering to the conventions of scientific notation. Other options involve incorrect placements of the decimal point or exponents that do not accurately reflect the original number.

To express the number 16,300 in scientific notation, the goal is to represent it in the form of a number between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten.

Starting with 16,300, we can rewrite this number as 1.63 multiplied by 10 to the power of 4. This transformation involves moving the decimal point in 16,300 four places to the left to arrive at 1.63. Each move to the left of the decimal point corresponds to an increase of one power of ten. Therefore, since the decimal is moved four places, the exponent becomes 4.

In this context, the correct representation of 16,300 in scientific notation is indeed 1.63 × 10 to the fourth power, which effectively conveys the original number while adhering to the conventions of scientific notation. Other options involve incorrect placements of the decimal point or exponents that do not accurately reflect the original number.