Which expression leaves you with the largest number on the number line?

A. (10^-2)^-7
B. 10^8/10^14
C. 10^18/10^8
D. 10^5 * 10^-4 * 10^11

1 answer

To determine which expression yields the largest number on the number line, let's simplify each option:

A. \((10^{-2})^{-7}\)

Using the power of a power property, we have: \[ (10^{-2})^{-7} = 10^{-2 \cdot -7} = 10^{14} \]

B. \(\frac{10^8}{10^{14}}\)

Using the quotient property, we simplify: \[ \frac{10^8}{10^{14}} = 10^{8 - 14} = 10^{-6} \]

C. \(\frac{10^{18}}{10^8}\)

Using the quotient property: \[ \frac{10^{18}}{10^{8}} = 10^{18 - 8} = 10^{10} \]

D. \(10^5 \cdot 10^{-4} \cdot 10^{11}\)

Using the product property, we combine the exponents: \[ 10^5 \cdot 10^{-4} \cdot 10^{11} = 10^{5 + (-4) + 11} = 10^{5 - 4 + 11} = 10^{12} \]

Now we summarize the results:

  • A: \(10^{14}\)
  • B: \(10^{-6}\)
  • C: \(10^{10}\)
  • D: \(10^{12}\)

Comparing these, we have:

\[ 10^{14} > 10^{12} > 10^{10} > 10^{-6} \]

The largest expression is A, which is \(10^{14}\).

Thus, the expression that leaves you with the largest number on the number line is:

\(\boxed{A}\)