Question

How does the exponent of each power of ten correspond with placing a decimal?

Answer 1

Each power of ten multiplies or divides the number by 10.
A number to the power of 10 multiplies the number by 10.
A number to the power of -10 divides the number by 10.

Multiplying by 10 (to the power of 10) moves the decimal point 1 place to the right.
Dividing by 10 (to the power of -10) moves the decimal point 1 place to the left.

Let's say you have
`1 * 10^3`, you move the decimal place 3 places to the right.
For
`1*10^-3` move the decimal 3 places to the left.