For a fixed base,if the exponent decreases by 1, the number becomes

Options

A. One -tenth of the previous number.
B. Ten times of the previous number
C. Hundredth of the previous number.
D. Hundred times of previous number.

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to understand how decreasing the exponent of a fixed base affects the value of the number. Let's break it down step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Base and Exponent**:
- Let's take a fixed base, for example, \( b = 10 \).
- Assume the initial exponent is \( n = 3 \).

2. **Calculate the Original Number**:
- The original number can be expressed as \( b^n \).
- For our example, this is \( 10^3 \).
- Calculate \( 10^3 = 1000 \).

3. **Decrease the Exponent by 1**:
- Now, we decrease the exponent by 1: \( n - 1 = 3 - 1 = 2 \).
- The new number is now \( b^{n-1} = 10^2 \).

4. **Calculate the New Number**:
- Calculate \( 10^2 = 100 \).

5. **Compare the New Number to the Original Number**:
- Now, we compare the new number \( 100 \) to the original number \( 1000 \).
- To find the relationship, divide the new number by the original number:
\[ \frac{\text{New Number}}{\text{Original Number}} = \frac{100}{1000} = \frac{1}{10} \]

6. **Conclusion**:
- This means that the new number is \( \frac{1}{10} \) of the original number.

### Final Answer:
If the exponent decreases by 1 for a fixed base, the number becomes \( \frac{1}{10} \) of the previous number.

---