To determine which of the given options most accurately represents the amount of the Earth's surface covered with water, we can compare each option's fraction with the widely accepted scientific data.
Scientifically, it is estimated that approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered with water. Now let's convert each of the given fractions into a percentage to see which is most similar to 71%.
A. Nine-tenths as a percentage:
To convert a fraction to a percentage, you multiply the fraction by 100%. Thus nine-tenths can be represented as:
\[ \frac{9}{10} \times 100\% = 90\% \]
B. One-half as a percentage:
Similarly, one-half is:
\[ \frac{1}{2} \times 100\% = 50\% \]
C. Three-hundredths as a percentage:
\[ \frac{3}{100} \times 100\% = 3\% \]
D. Three-fourths as a percentage:
\[ \frac{3}{4} \times 100\% = 75\% \]
Comparing the percentages of each fraction with the scientific data:
- A. 90% is higher than 71%.
- B. 50% is lower than 71%.
- C. 3% is much lower than 71%.
- D. 75% is the closest to 71%.
Therefore, the answer that most closely represents the percentage of the Earth's surface covered with water is D. three-fourths.
