MCAT Math Question 1: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 1

1. How would the number 17,060 be written in scientific notation?

A. 1706 × 10¹
B. 1.706 × 10⁴
C. 1.7060 × 10⁴
D. 0.17060 × 10⁵

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

This question, while overtly testing the ability to use scientific notation, is also checking on the appropriate use of significant digits. Because there is no decimal point, the last zero is not significant and should not be used in scientific notation. The significand in scientific notation should always be between one and ten.