The U.S. national debt was $2.9617×10^13 in 2021 and $3.98×10^11 in 1971. Find how much the debt increased in the 50-year period. (1 point)
To find the increase in the national debt over the 50-year period, we subtract the initial debt in 1971 from the debt in 2021.
Increase in debt = Debt in 2021 - Debt in 1971
Increase in debt = ($2.9617×10^13) - ($3.98×10^11)
Increase in debt = $2.9617×10^13 - $3.98×10^11
Increase in debt = $29,617,000,000,000 - $398,000,000,000
Increase in debt = $29,219,000,000,000 (approximately)
Therefore, the national debt increased by approximately $29,219,000,000,000 over the 50-year period.