How many million in a trillion?

Answer 1

The tri- prefix implies a power of 3.

Depending upon where you are:

• In those countries that use the long scale (based on powers of a million), like Europe:

1 trillion = (10^6)^3

→ there are 1 trillion ÷ 1 million = (10^6)3 ÷ (10^6)^1 = (10^6)^(3-1) = (10^6)^2 = 1 billion

→ there are 1 billion millions in 1 trillion

• In those countries that use the short scale (based on powers of a thousand plus one), like USA:

1 trillion = (10^3)^(3+1) = (10^3)^4

→ there are 1 trillion ÷ 1 million = (10^3)^4 ÷ (10^6)^1 = (10^6)^2 ÷ (10^1)^6 = 10^6 = 1 million

→ there are 1 million millions in 1 trillion.