Question 1196005
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1 billion = 10^9
1 trillion = 10^12


22 trillion = 22 * 10^12


3.2% of 22 trillion
0.032*(22 * 10^12)
704 * 10^9
704 billion


3.4% of 22 trillion
0.034*(22 * 10^12)
748 * 10^9
748 billion


The defense spending has gone from $704 billion to $748 billion
This is an increase of 748 - 704 = 44 billion dollars.


This is the opportunity cost as it could have been used in other government programs, pay down the debt, pay off healthcare/pensions, or perhaps returned back to the citizens in the form of tax refunds.


Answer: 44 billion dollars
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