Question

which of the following is the largest number?
a $2.304 \times 10^{-6}$
b $2.3 \times 10^{-5}$
c $2.34 \times 10^{-6}$
d $2.034 \times 10^{-5}$

Explanation:

Step1: Convert to same exponent

Rewrite all numbers with $10^{-6}$:

• a: $2.304 \times 10^{-6}$
• b: $2.3 \times 10^{-5} = 23 \times 10^{-6}$
• c: $2.34 \times 10^{-6}$
• d: $2.034 \times 10^{-5} = 20.34 \times 10^{-6}$

Step2: Compare coefficients

Compare the coefficients of $10^{-6}$:
$23 > 20.34 > 2.34 > 2.304$

Answer:

b. $2.3 \times 10^{-5}$