Understanding Magnitude

* Magnitude Scale: The magnitude scale is logarithmic. A difference of 5 magnitudes corresponds to a factor of 100 in brightness.

* Brighter Objects: Lower magnitude numbers represent brighter objects.

Calculations

1. Magnitude Difference: The difference in magnitude between the Cepheid variable (-3) and the white dwarf (7) is 7 - (-3) = 10 magnitudes.

2. Brightness Ratio: Since each 5 magnitudes represent a factor of 100 in brightness, a 10-magnitude difference means a brightness ratio of 100 * 100 = 10,000.

Answer: The Cepheid variable is 10,000 times brighter than the white dwarf.