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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from Peter: The diameter of the observable universe is calculated to be 92 billion light years. What would that distance be in miles given a light year is 6 trillion miles? |
Hi Peter,
92 billion is 92 followed by 9 zeros. 6 trillion is 6 followed by 12 zeros. Hence 92 billion times 6 trillion is $92 \times 6$ followed by $9 + 12 = 21$ zeros. If you want a name for the number 1 followed by 21 zeros I suggest you look at
http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/QQ/database/QQ.09.97/gupta1.html
You might also look at
http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/QQ/database/QQ.09.03/steph2.html and
http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/QQ/database/QQ.09.09/h/julio1.html
Penny
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