Q. What is the largest number among the following?
(a) (1/2)^-6
(b) (1/4)^-3
(c) (1/3)^-4
(d) (1/6)^-2
Correct Answer: (c) (1/3)^-4
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Largest Number
Let’s solve this problem step by step. A negative exponent means that the base is inverted and the exponent becomes positive. For example, (1/2)^-6 can be written as (2/1)^6.
Using this logic, we can rewrite all the options as follows:
(a) (1/2)^-6 = (2/1)^6 = 64
(b) (1/4)^-3 = (4/1)^3 = 64
(c) (1/3)^-4 = (3/1)^4 = 81
(d) (1/6)^-2 = (6/1)^2 = 36
So among these options, the largest number is 81.
So (c) (1/3)^-4 is indeed the correct answer.
