is 2.8x10 ^ -4 bigger or smaller then 2 x10^-4

Question

agent0smith · Answer

You could convert them back into regular notation and compare.

Or just compare the numbers out front. Since they both have the same x10^-4 attached, which is bigger, 2.8 or 2?

denonakavro · Answer

When it is negative exponent, then it will be opposite so the bigger the number infront of the exponent smaller the value. The reason for that is because when the exponent is negative we convert 2.8x10 ^ -4 into 1/(2.8x10^4) and 2.8x10 ^ -4 into 1/(2.8x10^4) So 2.8x10 ^ -4 is smaller than   2 x10^-4

agent0smith · Answer

@denonakavro That's not correct. 

Only the 10 has a negative exponent. NOT the 2 or 2.8.

denonakavro · Answer

Sorry do not listen to me listen to agent I misread the question

denonakavro · Answer

the exponent will be on 10 not on  2.8x10 . My fault sorry Mea Culpa!