Convert Light Years to Miles: 5.879e+12 Explanation and Conversion Guide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of light years to miles, specifically focusing on the numerical representation of this conversion (5.879e+12) and the meaning of the 'e' notation in scientific contexts. The scope includes conceptual clarification and mathematical reasoning related to scientific notation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that 5.879e+12 represents the conversion of one light year to miles.
  • Another participant explains that 'e' is standard notation for "times ten to the power," indicating that 5.879e+12 means 5.879×1012 miles.
  • A later reply reiterates the explanation of 'e' notation, confirming its meaning in the context of scientific notation.
  • One participant seeks clarification on the multiplication involved in the notation, specifically asking about the interpretation of 10 times 12.
  • Another participant responds to the clarification request, confirming the interpretation involves multiplying 5.879 by ten, twelve times.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the meaning of the 'e' notation and the conversion of light years to miles, but there is some uncertainty regarding the multiplication process involved in interpreting the notation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the potential confusion regarding the multiplication of ten in the notation, leaving some assumptions about participants' understanding unaddressed.

TaurusSteve
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TL;DR
One light year explained.
5.879e+12. So that is what comes up if you convert one light year to miles. My question is, what does the 'e' mean? I see it quite a bit.
 
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It's standard computer and calculator notation for "times ten to the power". So it's saying that one light year is 5.879×1012 miles.
 
Ibix said:
It's standard computer and calculator notation for "times ten to the power". So it's saying that one light year is 5.879×1012 miles.
Thanks. So 10 times 12 times
 
TaurusSteve said:
Thanks. So 10 times 12 times
If you mean 5.879×10×10×10×...×10 with twelve ×10s, yes.
 

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