U.S. national debt (scientific notation word problem) | Pre-Algebra | Khan Academy

Ever wonder what your part of the national debt is? It might surprise you. What isn't surprising is that you can use scientific notation and division to figure out the answer.

Missed the previous lesson?

Pre-Algebra on Khan Academy: No way, this isn't your run of the mill arithmetic. This is Pre-algebra. You're about to play with the professionals. Think of pre-algebra as a runway. You're the airplane and algebra is your sunny vacation destination. Without the runway you're not going anywhere. Seriously, the foundation for all higher mathematics is laid with many of the concepts that we will introduce to you here: negative numbers, absolute value, factors, multiples, decimals, and fractions to name a few. So buckle up and move your seat into the upright position. We're about to take off!

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[bonkers]

Funny how I learn quicker from this channel than school. Thanks Sal!

[phpHanut]

On June 20, 2010.
$(1.3091 * pow(10, 13)) / (3.086 * pow(10, 8)) = $42.420.

Nice, but the next problem won't be so trivial, when the debt holders asking: "Can we give it back? Now!" :)

[ShaynilRanchod]

can you make a nother elimnation video

[braydonward]

13 years ago im just know learning this fr

[krishnac]

(1.2278*10^13)/(3.086*10^8) = (12.278*10^12)/(3.086*10^8) = 3.9786*10^4 = US$39, 786. So according to the stats in the question, every person in the states owe US$39, 786! .

[abdabd]

there are mistakes in the answer the scientific notation should be between 9 and 1 not 39

[CrypticMouse]

What a weird question... saying to round DURING the calculation. It's bad science in the real world. Rounding $39, 786 to $39, 790 would mean every American paying around $4 more than they need to. Sounds like small change... but in total it would mean the Government would get over 1.2 BILLION DOLLARS of FREE money! Typical, lol! ;)

[Lizziebear]

Hey I just wanted to let you know you misread the calculator you read it as 3979 when if you look at it closer you can see its 3978. Just wanted to make sure you could see it ;)