Question

place the numbers in descending order.
1. 2.3 x 10^-10
2. 2.3 x 10^-8
3. 3.2 x 10^-10
4. 2.3 x 10^-12
put them from highest to lowest

Answer 1

To arrange the numbers in descending order, we first look at their scientific notation:

1. \(2.3 \times 10^{-10}\)
2. \(2.3 \times 10^{-8}\)
3. \(3.2 \times 10^{-10}\)
4. \(2.3 \times 10^{-12}\)

We focus on the exponent of 10 as a primary factor for ordering:

- The highest exponent is \(-8\) (from \(2.3 \times 10^{-8}\)).
- The next highest is \(-10\) (and since there are two numbers with this exponent, we will compare them).
- The lowest exponent is \(-12\) (from \(2.3 \times 10^{-12}\)).

Now, comparing the two numbers with exponent \(-10\):
- \(2.3 \times 10^{-10}\)
- \(3.2 \times 10^{-10}\) (this is higher than \(2.3 \times 10^{-10}\) since \(3.2 > 2.3\)).

Now, we can arrange the numbers in descending order:

1. \(2.3 \times 10^{-8}\)
2. \(3.2 \times 10^{-10}\)
3. \(2.3 \times 10^{-10}\)
4. \(2.3 \times 10^{-12}\)

So, the final order from highest to lowest is:

1. \(2.3 \times 10^{-8}\)
2. \(3.2 \times 10^{-10}\)
3. \(2.3 \times 10^{-10}\)
4. \(2.3 \times 10^{-12}\)