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 , 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:
Given:
- Distance from Earth to the Moon: miles.
- Distance from Earth to Mars: miles.
Substitute these values into the formula:
Step 1: Simplify the fraction
Separate the numerical coefficients and the powers of 10:
Thus:
Final Answer:
The best approximation for is:
Correct Option:
150
Would you like further explanation or have any other questions?
Here are 5 follow-up questions you might find interesting:
- How are powers of 10 manipulated during multiplication and division?
- What are the typical distances between other celestial bodies?
- Why is Mars sometimes closer to Earth than at other times?
- How does scientific notation help simplify such astronomical calculations?
- 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
-
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 8-10