3.2 * 10^-4 = 0.00032
So the number is less than 1.
The effect the negative exponent has is.....well...here's an example
if the exponent was a positive it would be 3.2 *10^4 = 32,000
If it was positive you would move the decimal point to the right (for this equation) 4 times... if it was negative you would move it the other way.
