To simplify \( 10^{-3} \), we can use the rule that states \( a^{-n} = \frac{1}{a^n} \).
Thus, we have:
\[ 10^{-3} = \frac{1}{10^3} \]
Now, calculating \( 10^3 \):
\[ 10^3 = 1000 \]
So,
\[ 10^{-3} = \frac{1}{1000} \]
Which can also be expressed as:
\[ 10^{-3} = \frac{1}{10^3} \]
From the provided responses, the correct choice corresponding to this simplification is:
the fraction with numerator 1 and denominator 10 to the negative 3 power.
This is the correct interpretation of \( 10^{-3} \).