In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia. Alaska is about 5. 9 × 105 square miles. The United States paid about $12. 20 per square mile. Approximately how much did the United States pay Russia for Alaska? Complete the steps to answer the question. 1. Write the expression: (5. 9 × 105)(12. 2) 2. Multiply the decimal values: × 105 3. Write in scientific notation: × The United States paid Russia approximately for Alaska.