If the logarithm of a number is – 3.153, what are characteristic and mantisa? · ABC26GN2094

Subject: General Aptitude · Chapter: Logarithms · Exam: M.B.A. 2009

If the logarithm of a number is – 3.153, what are characteristic and mantisa?
(a)Characteristic = – 4, mantissa = 0.847
(b)Characteristic = – 3, mantissa = – 0.153
(c)Characteristic = 4, mantissa = – 0.847
(d)Characteristic = 3, mantissa = – 0.153
Answer
Answer (as printed): A
Explanation
Let log x = – 3.153. Then, log x = – 3.153 = – 3 + (– 0.153) = (– 3 – 1) + (1 – 0.153) = – 4 + 0.847 = 4.847. Hence, characteristic = – 4, mantissa = 0.847.

Explanation as extracted from the printed page; notation may be imperfect.

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