To convert the number 650,000 into scientific notation, we need to express it in the form [tex]\( a \times 10^b \)[/tex] where [tex]\( 1 \leq a < 10 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( b \)[/tex] is an integer.
Here's a step-by-step solution:
1. Identify the significant figures: The significant figures in 650,000 are "6.5".
2. Determine the power of 10: We need to count how many places we move the decimal point to convert 650,000 to 6.5.
- Start with 650,000 (which can be written as 650,000.0 for clarity).
- Move the decimal point 5 places to the left to get 6.5.
3. Construct the scientific notation: Since we moved the decimal point 5 places to the left, we multiply by [tex]\( 10^5 \)[/tex].
So, 650,000 in scientific notation is [tex]\( 6.5 \times 10^5 \)[/tex].
Looking at the given choices:
- [tex]\( 0.65 \times 10^{-6} \)[/tex]: This is not correct.
- [tex]\( 6.5 \times 10^{-5} \)[/tex]: This is not correct.
- [tex]\( 6.5 \times 10^5 \)[/tex]: This is correct.
- [tex]\( 65 \times 10^4 \)[/tex]: This is not in the proper scientific notation form as "a" must be between 1 and 10.
Therefore, the correct answer is [tex]\( 6.5 \times 10^5 \)[/tex].
