Math Problem Statement

The average distance from Earth to the Moon is about 2.4 × times 105 10 to the fifth power miles. The shortest distance from Earth to Mars in 2018 is about 3.6 × times 107 10 to the seventh power miles. If the distance from Earth to Mars is n times the distance from Earth to the Moon, which of the following expressions is the best approximation for n?

1.5 × times 10−2 10 to the negative second power 15 150 15 × times 102

Solution

To find the value of nn, which represents how many times the distance from Earth to Mars is greater than the distance from Earth to the Moon, use the following relationship:

n=Distance from Earth to MarsDistance from Earth to the Moonn = \frac{\text{Distance from Earth to Mars}}{\text{Distance from Earth to the Moon}}

Given:

  • Distance from Earth to the Moon: 2.4×1052.4 \times 10^5 miles.
  • Distance from Earth to Mars: 3.6×1073.6 \times 10^7 miles.

Substitute these values into the formula:

n=3.6×1072.4×105n = \frac{3.6 \times 10^7}{2.4 \times 10^5}

Step 1: Simplify the fraction

Separate the numerical coefficients and the powers of 10:

n=3.62.4×107105n = \frac{3.6}{2.4} \times \frac{10^7}{10^5}

  • 3.62.4=1.5\frac{3.6}{2.4} = 1.5
  • 107105=1075=102\frac{10^7}{10^5} = 10^{7-5} = 10^2

Thus:

n=1.5×102n = 1.5 \times 10^2

Final Answer:

The best approximation for nn is:

n=150n = 150

Correct Option:

150


Would you like further explanation or have any other questions?
Here are 5 follow-up questions you might find interesting:

  1. How are powers of 10 manipulated during multiplication and division?
  2. What are the typical distances between other celestial bodies?
  3. Why is Mars sometimes closer to Earth than at other times?
  4. How does scientific notation help simplify such astronomical calculations?
  5. Can this method be applied to calculate ratios of distances in kilometers instead of miles?

Tip: When working with powers of 10, always separate the numerical coefficients and exponents to simplify calculations!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Scientific Notation
Division of Exponents
Ratios and Proportions

Formulas

n = Distance from Earth to Mars / Distance from Earth to the Moon
a × 10^m ÷ b × 10^n = (a ÷ b) × 10^(m−n)

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10