When multiplying a decimal by a power of 10, the product will move the decimal point to the right by as many places as the exponent of 10. For example:
- Multiplying \(0.5\) by \(10^2\) (which is \(100\)) results in \(50.0\) (the decimal moves two places to the right).
When dividing a decimal by a power of 10, the quotient will move the decimal point to the left by as many places as the exponent of 10. For example:
- Dividing \(5.0\) by \(10^2\) (which is \(100\)) results in \(0.05\) (the decimal moves two places to the left).
In summary:
- Multiplying by a power of 10: Moves the decimal point to the right.
- Dividing by a power of 10: Moves the decimal point to the left.