Worked examples
Two examples
Example 1
Fill in the sign: 9.1 × 104 ___ 1.2 × 105
- Read the exponents first: 4 and 5.
- The larger exponent is the larger number, even though 9.1 is more than 1.2.
Answer: 9.1 × 104 < 1.2 × 105
Example 2
Fill in the sign: 3.4 × 10−2 ___ 2.8 × 10−2
- The exponents are the same, so compare 3.4 and 2.8.
Answer: 3.4 × 10−2 > 2.8 × 10−2
Where this is taught: Quiz 32: Scientific Notation, “Which is bigger: read the exponent first”
The drill
Ten problems
This drill also has challenge problems. They use the same skill, set up the way the GED test sometimes sets up a problem, so that it looks new at first.
How many:
Tap your answer to each one, then press Check my answers at the bottom.Circle your answer to each one. The answer key, with the reasoning, is on the last page.