Compare 10^2 to 10^-2

Answer 1

Comparing these two expressions involves understanding the meaning of positive and negative exponents.

10^2 means "10 raised to the power of 2" or "10 multiplied by itself twice." Thus, 10^2 = 10 * 10 = 100.

On the other hand, 10^-2 means "10 raised to the power of -2" or "10 raised to the negative power of 2." A negative exponent indicates that the reciprocal or inverse of the base should be used. So, 10^-2 is equal to 1/(10^2) = 1/100 = 0.01.

Therefore, 10^2 = 100 and 10^-2 = 0.01.