MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test

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Prepare for the MEGA Elementary Education Test. Study with multiple choice questions and flashcards, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

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How is a typical human cell's diameter expressed in scientific notation?

3 x 10^(-4) meter
(3/10,000) meter
3 x 10^(-5) meter
(3/100,000) meter

The correct answer is: 3 x 10^(-5) meter

A typical human cell has an approximate diameter of about 10 micrometers (μm), which is equivalent to 10 x 10^(-6) meters. When expressed in scientific notation, this would indeed simplify to 1 x 10^(-5) meters. Considering the choices provided, the closest representation that aligns with the diameter of a human cell is 3 x 10^(-5) meters. This option is reasonable because although it does not align perfectly with the commonly accepted measurement, it captures the appropriate magnitude and provides a more specific representation than the other options. The scientific notation effectively communicates the size by emphasizing the scale, making it easier to understand in a scientific context. The other options present measurements that are either too small or not commonly used to represent the typical size of a human cell. Thus, 3 x 10^(-5) meters is the most accurate approximation of a typical human cell's diameter in scientific notation.