Use the table to find a pattern.

Number
Powers of 10
2 comma 320
2.32 times 10 cubed
232.0
2.32 times 10 squared
23.2
2.32 times 10 Superscript 1
2.32
2.32 times 10 Superscript 0
0.232
2.32 times 10 Superscript negative 1
0.0232
2.32 times 10 Superscript negative 2
0.00232
2.32 times 10 Superscript negative 3
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Question content area right
Part 1
Which of the following is a pattern in the table?
A.
The exponents that are less than 0 cause the number to become negative.
B.
As the exponent of 10 increases, the number decreases.
C.
As the exponent of 10 decreases, the number decreases.
D.
The exponents that are greater than 0 cause the number to decrease.

1 answer

To find the correct pattern in the table you've provided, let’s analyze the relationship between the powers of 10 and the resulting numbers:

When the exponent is a positive integer (like 3 and 2), the numbers are larger (2,320 and 232.0) because we are multiplying 2.32 by a power of ten.
When the exponent is 0 (2.32), the number remains the same.
As you move to negative exponents (like -1, -2, and -3), the numbers decrease (0.232, 0.0232, and 0.00232) because you are dividing 2.32 by a power of ten.

Now let’s break down the options given:

A. The exponents that are less than 0 cause the number to become negative.

This is incorrect. The numbers do not become negative; they become smaller positive numbers.

B. As the exponent of 10 increases, the number decreases.

This is incorrect. As the exponent increases, the number actually increases.

C. As the exponent of 10 decreases, the number decreases.

This is correct when considering negative exponents. As you move to a lower exponent (negative), the resulting value becomes smaller.

D. The exponents that are greater than 0 cause the number to decrease.

This is incorrect. Greater than 0 exponents increase the numbers.

Based on this analysis, the best option that reflects the pattern found in the table is:

C. As the exponent of 10 decreases, the number decreases.