Question

Match the order of magnitude of observations in p and q with their correct values in x and y.

(p)$3\times {10}^8$ (x) 8

(q)$7\times {10}^8$ (y) 9

• A. P - x, q - x
• B. p - x, q - y
• C. p - y, q - y
• D. p - y, q - x

Answer 1

The correct option is B

p - x, q - y

To find order of Magnitude of an observation, it is first written in scientific notation i.e., $a\times {10}^b$ where a is a number between 1 and 10 and b is any integer.

Then a is rounded to 1 if a $\le$ 5 else a is rounded to 10 if 5 < a < 10. Then your new exponent is the order of Magnitude

(p) $3\times {10}^8$ after rounding

$1\times {10}^8$

Now exponent = 8 = order of Magnitude

(q)$7\times {10}^8$ after rounding

$10\times {10}^8$ = $1.0\times {10}^9$

Exponent = 9 = order of magnitude