Which set of numbers is arranged in descending order?

A. 7 × 10^−30, 7.2 × 10^−25, 7.2 × 10^−30, 7.6 × 10^−25
B. 7.6 × 10^−25, 7.2 × 10^−30, 7.2 × 10^−25, 7 × 10^−30
C. 7.2 × 10^−30, 7 × 10^−30, 7.6 × 10^−25, 7.2 × 10^−25
D.7.6 × 10^−25, 7.2 × 10^−25, 7.2 × 10^−30, 7 × 10^−30

1 answer

To arrange the numbers in descending order, we first need to convert them to a common notation or understand their values, especially with their powers of ten. Let's analyze each option:

  1. A.

    • \(7 \times 10^{-30}\)
    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-25}\)
    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-30}\)
    • \(7.6 \times 10^{-25}\)

    Comparing powers of ten:

    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-25} > 7.6 \times 10^{-25} > 7.2 \times 10^{-30} > 7 \times 10^{-30}\) This is not in descending order.
  2. B.

    • \(7.6 \times 10^{-25}\)
    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-30}\)
    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-25}\)
    • \(7 \times 10^{-30}\)

    This option places \(7.2 \times 10^{-30}\) incorrectly in sequence, as it is less than \(7.2 \times 10^{-25}\). This is not in order.

  3. C.

    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-30}\)
    • \(7 \times 10^{-30}\)
    • \(7.6 \times 10^{-25}\)
    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-25} \)

    This option has the first two terms in the incorrect order (they should be at the end), so it is not in descending order.

  4. D.

    • \(7.6 \times 10^{-25}\)
    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-25}\)
    • \(7.2 \times 10^{-30}\)
    • \(7 \times 10^{-30}\)

    This option correctly places \(7.6 \times 10^{-25} > 7.2 \times 10^{-25} > 7.2 \times 10^{-30} > 7 \times 10^{-30}\).

Thus, option D is arranged in descending order.