Scientific Notation - Texas Instruments TI-34 II Explorer Plus User Manual

Star Voyage—

Scientific Notation

Problem
You are a captain of a starship. You have been assigned to go to Alpha
Centauri and you have 5 years to get there. The distance from the Sun to Alpha
Centauri is 2.5 x 10
approximately 9.3 x 10
know that light can travel a distance of 6 x 10
be able to get to Alpha Centauri on time?
Procedure
1. Using the TI-34 Ö, find the total distance that you need to travel.
2. Next, find out how long it will take you to travel the distance. (Distance
traveled P 1 light year)
3. Can you make the trip in the given time?
Extension
Now that you have been successful, you have been asked to make another
trip. The distance from the Sun to Delta Centauri is 9 x 10
will it take you to get there from Earth?
Hint: The Earth is approximately 9.3 Q 10
© 1999 T I
EXAS NSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
13
miles. The distance from the Earth to the Sun is
7
miles. Your ship can travel at the speed of light. You
7
miles from the Sun.
TI-34 Û: A Guide for Teachers
Name ___________________________
Date ___________________________
12
miles in 1 light year. Will you
13
miles. How long
9