How many zeroes are at the end of (45^8)(88^5)

Animuo

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

How many zeroes are at the end of (45^8)(88^5), don't use a calculator.

2. Relevant equations

Using the unique factorization of integers theorem, you can break any integer down into the product of prime integers.

3. The attempt at a solution

So I broke it down

(45^8) = (3 * 3 * 5) ^ 8
(88^5) = (2 * 2 * 2 * 11) ^ 5

If you put it back together as separate factors you get something like this

(3^16) * (5^8) * (2^15) * (11^5)

now my thinking is that you can find the number of zeroes by figuring out how many factors of 10 (which equals 2 * 5) you can make.

You can make 8 factors of 10 so it looks like
(3 ^ 16) * (2 ^ 7) * (11 ^ 5) * (10 ^ 8)

And from this I assume that there would be 8 zeroes at the end, however if you check it with a calculator you get a different answer..

(45^8) * (88^5) = 8.87387835 × 10^22

Anyone care to explain where my thinking is wrong..?

InfinityZero

You are right, but checking it with a calculator doesn't work because the screen of the calculator can't display all the digits of the product, if you use the calculator on your computer it should display the full number.

Curious3141

Your answer is right. The calculator is giving you a truncated answer in scientific notation. Even though the last shown figure is "5", there are still many nonzero figures to the right of that 5 when you write the whole number out. There will still be eight trailing zeroes.

Animuo

Wow... didn't think of that, I used the google calculator and now I feel like a dumbass -.-. Thanks guys, feel better now. Here's another one I'm having a little difficulty with, and I don't feel like spamming these forums.

Moderator note: I made a separate thread for the new problem.