Scientific notation: Why is 2.472 x 10^2 the answer & not 24.72 x 10^1

(4.12 x 10^3)(6 x 10^-2)

Why Isn't the answer 24.72^1?
Please explain why it's 2.472^2.

Thanks!

In scientific notation, or index notation, you only ever have the first digit then a decimal point then multiply by 10 to the power of how many places you have moved the decimal point. They both equal the same number, but it is more proper to use scientific notation because 24.71 x 10^1 is not a simplified answer.

e.g. 2300 has 3 digits after the first, move decimal point 3 places to left and you have 2.3 x 10^3

0.000042 has 5 zeros, move decimal point 5 places to right and you have 4.2 x 10^-5

Because you have to put the decimal behind the first non zero digit.