To determine which number is equivalent to [tex]\(5.1 \times 10^{-2}\)[/tex], let's break down the process:
1. Understanding Scientific Notation:
- [tex]\(10^{-2}\)[/tex] means [tex]\( \frac{1}{10^2} \)[/tex] or [tex]\( \frac{1}{100} \)[/tex]. This indicates that we need to move the decimal point two places to the left because the exponent is negative.
2. Applying the Scientific Notation:
- Start with the number 5.1.
- Move the decimal point two places to the left.
3. Moving the Decimal Point:
- Original number: 5.1
- Moving the decimal one place to the left: 0.51
- Moving the decimal another place to the left: 0.051
Therefore, the equivalent number is [tex]\(0.051\)[/tex].
So, the correct answer is [tex]\(B. 0.051\)[/tex].
