Jenna calculated several numbers in her calculator. The result displayed -1.7E-4 on the calculator screen. Which equivalent number(s) does this represent? Select all that apply.

1.7 × 10^-4
-1,700
0.00017
-0.00017
-1.7 × 10^-4

1 answer

The notation -1.7E-4 represents -1.7 times 10 raised to the power of -4. This can be expressed as:

-1.7 × 10^-4

Now, let's evaluate the other options:

  1. 1.7 × 10^-4 - This is positive, so it does not represent the same value as -1.7E-4.
  2. -1,700 - This is not equivalent; it is much larger in magnitude.
  3. 0.00017 - This is positive, so it does not represent the same value.
  4. -0.00017 - This is equivalent because -0.00017 is the decimal representation of -1.7E-4.
  5. -1.7 × 10^-4 - This is exactly the same as -1.7E-4.

So, the equivalent numbers are:

  • -0.00017
  • -1.7 × 10^-4