Question

Which of the following numbers is the smallest?

A
1.6×10 with Exponent of -3

B
1.6×10 with Exponent of -5

C
1.6×10 with Exponent of 2

D
1.6×10 with Exponent of -7

Answer 1

Answer: D) 1.6 x 10^(-7)

Step-by-step explanation:

The more negative the exponent is, the smaller the number will be. This is only for numbers in scientific notation (which A through D is presented as such).

A positive exponent means move the decimal point to the right. A negative exponent tells us to move the decimal point to the left.

• 1.6 *10^(-3) = 0.0016 moving 3 spots to the left
• 1.6 * 10^(-5) = 0.000016 moving 5 spots to the left
• 1.6 * 10^2 = 160 moving 2 spots to the right
• 1.6 * 10^(-7) = 0.00000016 moving 7 spots to the left

Choice D is the one that moves furthest to the left of all the answer choices.