Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: R < P < Q
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question examines decimal computation and comparison, including a small square, its reciprocal square, and a shifted square minus 1.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Compute each value exactly and then compare. Beware that squaring a small decimal gives a very small positive number, while the reciprocal square becomes large. A near-one square minus 1 will be negative.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Estimate check: 0.08^2 is clearly tiny positive; reciprocal square is very large; a number close to 1 squared then minus 1 is a small negative. The ordering matches intuition.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any option claiming P = R is false since P ≈ 0.0064 and R ≈ −0.1536. Options reversing the order ignore signs or magnitude.
Common Pitfalls:
Misplacing decimal points; forgetting that reciprocals of numbers less than 1 are greater than 1; sign errors when subtracting 1.
Final Answer:
R < P < Q
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