in 1987, the population of the united states was approximately 2.44 x 10^8 people. the national debt of the…

in 1987, the population of the united states was approximately 2.44 x 10^8 people. the national debt of the united states in that year was approximately 2.50 x 10^12 dollars. in scientific notation, how much debt is this per person?\na 1.0246 x 10^(-4) dollars\nb 1.0246 x 10^20 dollars\nc 1.0246 x 10^8 dollars\nd 1.0246 x 10^4 dollars\ne 1.0246 x 10^2 dollars

in 1987, the population of the united states was approximately 2.44 x 10^8 people. the national debt of the united states in that year was approximately 2.50 x 10^12 dollars. in scientific notation, how much debt is this per person?\na 1.0246 x 10^(-4) dollars\nb 1.0246 x 10^20 dollars\nc 1.0246 x 10^8 dollars\nd 1.0246 x 10^4 dollars\ne 1.0246 x 10^2 dollars

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Set up the division

To find the debt per person, divide the total debt by the population. So we have $\frac{2.50\times 10^{12}}{2.44\times 10^{8}}$.

Step2: Divide the coefficients and subtract exponents

Divide the coefficients $2.50\div2.44\approx1.0246$, and subtract the exponents of 10 using the rule $\frac{a^m}{a^n}=a^{m - n}$, so $10^{12-8}=10^{4}$.

Step3: Combine the results

The result is $1.0246\times 10^{4}$ dollars.

Answer:

D. $1.0246\times 10^{4}$ dollars