Question

The order (characteristic) of 0.99 is-

• A. -1
• B. 0
• C. 1
• D. 2

Hint:

Any number between \(0.1\) and \(1\) has characteristic \(\bar{1}\). Any number between \(0.01\) and \(0.1\) has characteristic \(\bar{2}\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: For common logarithms, the characteristic depends upon the position of the decimal point. Rules:

• For numbers greater than 1, characteristic is one less than the number of digits before the decimal point.

• For numbers less than 1, characteristic is negative and equals one more than the number of zeros immediately after the decimal point.
Given number: \[ 0.99 \]

Step 1: Observe the position of the decimal point. The number is less than 1. Also, there are no zeros immediately after the decimal point before the first significant digit. \[ 0.\underline{9}9 \] Hence, \[ n=0 \]

Step 2: Apply the logarithm rule. \[ \text{Characteristic} = -(n+1) \] \[ =-(0+1) \] \[ =-1 \] Thus, \[ \log(0.99) \] has characteristic \[ \bar{1} \] or equivalently \[ -1 \]