This is a unit conversion problem disguised with scientific notation. The trap here is getting confused between billion and trillion!
Step 1: Identify what we're converting
We need to convert 3.7 × 10^12 square inches to square miles.
Given: 1 square mile ≈ 4 billion square inches = 4 × 10^9 square inches
Step 2: Set up the conversion
Area in square miles = (Area in square inches) ÷ (square inches per square mile)
Area in square miles = (3.7 × 10^12) ÷ (4 × 10^9)
Step 3: Divide the coefficients and exponents separately
Coefficient: 3.7 ÷ 4 ≈ 0.925
Exponent: 10^12 ÷ 10^9 = 10^(12-9) = 10^3 = 1,000
Step 4: Combine
0.925 × 1,000 = 925 square miles
Looking at the answer choices, 900 square miles is the closest approximation.
Answer: B (900 square miles)
Common trap: The biggest mistake students make here is confusing 10^12 with billion. Remember: 10^9 = billion, 10^12 = trillion. Also, some students mistakenly multiply instead of divide—always ask yourself "should the answer be bigger or smaller?" Going from tiny units (square inches) to large units (square miles) means the number should get smaller.
Takeaway: For unit conversions with exponents, separate the coefficients from the powers of 10, handle each part, then recombine. And always do a sanity check—does your answer make sense in context?