Need help with simple math problem

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation and comprehension of a large number expressed in scientific notation, specifically 1.7x10^30, and its implications in terms of time measurement. Participants explore the concept of large time spans in relation to the age of the universe and engage in light-hearted commentary on the implications of such durations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how to interpret the number 1.7x10^30 in terms of years and expresses confusion about using a calculator for exponents.
  • Another participant calculates that 1.7x10^30 years equals 1,700,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years.
  • A third participant comments on the overwhelming nature of such a large time span, suggesting it is difficult to comprehend, especially if measured in microseconds.
  • Further, a participant reflects on the vastness of the time span by comparing it to the age of the universe, suggesting it is about three times that age.
  • Another participant adds a humorous note about quantum tunneling, relating it to the time span calculated and suggesting that one could traverse a wall multiple times within that duration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of understanding and humor regarding the implications of the large number, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of its significance beyond the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the context of time measurement and the implications of such large numbers are not fully explored, leaving room for further discussion on the nature of time and comprehension of vast durations.

Void
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how many years would 1.7x10^30 equal? i don't understand how the exponents work when i put into my calculator.
 
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1,700,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years

Paden Roder
 
A horrifying amount that don't bear thinking about, even if the time unit you omitted to mention was the microsecond.
 
could you explain what you mean arildno? and thanks for the calculation rod. :smile:
 
It was a half-joke, but think about it.
Can we really comprehend the timespan implied?
If you look at it in number of years, then it's about 3 times the age of the universe!
That's one heck of a loooong time!
 
LOL!

Hey Void, I got some trivia for you.

According to quantum theory, specifically quantum tunneling, if you were to run into a wall once every second, it would take you roughly the age of the universe to pass through it. HEHE!

In your number of years that we calculated, you could have passed through the wall, passed back to get your wallet that you forgot, and then run back to the other side.

Paden Roder
 

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