To express 3.15 trillion in scientific notation, we'll follow these steps:
1. Understand the meaning of "trillion": The term "trillion" in the American system refers to the number [tex]$10^{12}$[/tex].
2. Express the number in base form: The given number is 3.15 trillion, which can be written as [tex]\( 3.15 \times 10^{12} \)[/tex].
3. Check the scientific notation representation:
- Option A: [tex]\( 3.15 \times 10^9 \)[/tex] – This would represent 3.15 billion, not trillion.
- Option B: [tex]\( 3.15 \times 10^6 \)[/tex] – This would represent 3.15 million, not trillion.
- Option C: [tex]\( 3.15 \times 10^{12} \)[/tex] – This correctly represents 3.15 trillion.
- Option D: [tex]\( 3.15 \times 10^{15} \)[/tex] – This would represent 3.15 quadrillion, not trillion.
Therefore, the correct scientific notation for 3.15 trillion is:
C. [tex]\( 3.15 \cdot 10^{12} \)[/tex].
