How should the result of the calculation below be reported using scientific notation and the proper number of significant figures?
(4.3169 × 10⁴) ÷ (2.02 × 10³) = ?

Question

How should the result of the calculation below be reported using scientific notation and the proper number of significant figures? (4.3169 × 10⁴)÷ (2.02 × 10³)= ?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The calculation simplifies to $2.14 \times 10^{14} \div 2.02 \times 10^{13} = 1.0594059405940594 \times 10^{1}$. When rounded to three significant figures (the number of significant figures in the least precise measurement, 2.02), this becomes $2.14 \times 10^{1}$, or $2.14 \times 10^{11}$ when considering the powers of ten correctly.

How Should the Result of the Calculation Below Be Reported