Does 100 = 1?
Yes, that is correct. If 102 = 100, a one followed by two zeroes, then 100 = a one followed by no zeroes, or just 1.
Now, what happens if the exponent is less than zero? This is certainly allowed, and results in a number less than one, but not less than or equal to zero. There is no exponent, no power that you can raise 10 to that will result in a number that is zero or less.
Remember that a negative exponent is the same as the reciprocal of the same base with the same exponent, but positive. Or, in terms of symbols,
10-n = 1 / 10n
Use this knowledge to complete the patterm below:
Decimal
Fraction
Reciprocal
Powers of Ten
0.1
1 / 10
1 / 101
10-1
0.01
1 / 100
1 / 10?
10?
0.001
1 / 1000
1 / ?
?
0.0001
?
?
?
0.000001
?
?
?
0.000000001
?
?
?
Now check your answers.
Questions? Ask the designer, Jim Heath
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