Final answer:
The smallest number among the given options is B. 8.69*10^-6, which has the most negative exponent, indicating it is the smallest fractional value in the list.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which of the following numbers is the smallest:
- A. 4.13*10^-5
- B. 8.69*10^-6
- C. 3.92*10^-5
- D. 1.44*10^5
- E. 6.27*10^6
We must compare their powers of ten as they determine the size of the number. A negative exponent means the number is a fraction (less than one), and the larger the negative exponent, the smaller the number. Positive exponents represent large numbers greater than one.
By comparing the exponents, we can quickly see that option B has the smallest exponent which is -6, making it the smallest number because the others have -5 (larger fractions) or positive exponents (indicating much larger numbers).
Therefore, the smallest number is B. 8.69*10^-6.