Calculate the right-hand side by multiplying the two numbers in scientific notation: \((1.8 \times 10^{-4}) \times (2.4 \times 10^{6})\).
To multiply numbers in scientific notation, multiply the coefficients: \(1.8 \times 2.4\) and add the exponents: \(-4 + 6\).
Simplify the multiplication and addition of exponents to get a single number in scientific notation.
Divide both sides of the equation by \(-1.2 \times 10^{-3}\) to solve for \(x\).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Scientific Notation
Scientific notation is a way of expressing numbers that are too large or too small in a compact form. It is written as the product of a number between 1 and 10 and a power of ten. For example, 1.2 x 10⁻³ represents 0.0012. Understanding how to manipulate numbers in scientific notation is essential for solving equations involving such expressions.
When multiplying numbers in scientific notation, you multiply the coefficients and add the exponents of the powers of ten. For instance, when multiplying (1.8 x 10⁻⁴) by (2.4 x 10⁶), you calculate 1.8 x 2.4 for the coefficients and add -4 and 6 for the exponents, resulting in a new scientific notation expression. This concept is crucial for simplifying the equation.
To solve for a variable in an equation, you isolate the variable on one side of the equation. This often involves performing inverse operations, such as division or multiplication, to both sides of the equation. In this case, you would divide both sides by the coefficient of x to find its value, which is a fundamental skill in algebra.