A hippopotamus can weigh up to 9900 pounds

A hippopotamus can weigh up to 9900 pounds. Write this number in scientific notation.

The correct answer and explanation is:

✅ Correct Answer:

9.9 × 10³ (in scientific notation)

🧠 Explanation (300 Words):

Scientific notation is a method used to express very large or very small numbers in a compact, easily understandable form. It is commonly used in science, engineering, and mathematics to simplify calculations and to express measurements clearly.

Scientific notation is written in the form: a×10na \times 10^n

Where:

• aa is a number greater than or equal to 1 but less than 10 (called the coefficient).
• 10n10^n is 10 raised to an integer power, and n represents how many places the decimal point is moved.

Step-by-Step: Convert 9900 to Scientific Notation

The number given is:
9900

1. Place the decimal point:
   The decimal in 9900 is originally at the end of the number:
   9900.9900.
2. Move the decimal to create a number between 1 and 10:
   Move the decimal three places to the left to get:
   9.99.9
3. Count the number of places moved:
   We moved the decimal 3 places, so the exponent is 3.
4. Write in scientific notation: 9.9×1039.9 \times 10^3

✅ Final Answer:

9900 = 9.9 × 10³

💡 Why Use Scientific Notation?

Using scientific notation helps simplify complex calculations, especially when dealing with very large numbers (like the mass of planets) or very small numbers (like the size of atoms). It also reduces the chance of error when writing or interpreting data, and it keeps numbers concise in scientific writing or technical work.