Question

Place the numbers in descending order.

2.3 × 10^−10
2.3

×

10
−
10
; 3.2 × 10^−10
3.2

×

10
−
10
; 2.3 × 10^−12
2.3

×

10
−
12
; 2.3 × 10^−8
2.3

×

10
−
8

(2 points) ___ ; ___ ; ___ ; ___

Answer 1

To arrange the numbers in descending order, we need to convert all scientific notation numbers to their decimal forms and then compare them.

1. **2.3 × 10^−10** = 0.00000000023
2. **3.2 × 10^−10** = 0.00000000032
3. **2.3 × 10^−12** = 0.0000000000023
4. **2.3 × 10^−8** = 0.000000023

Now, let's compare these decimal values:

- 2.3 × 10^−8 = 0.000000023 (largest)
- 3.2 × 10^−10 = 0.00000000032
- 2.3 × 10^−10 = 0.00000000023
- 2.3 × 10^−12 = 0.0000000000023 (smallest)

Putting them in descending order:

1. **2.3 × 10^−8**
2. **3.2 × 10^−10**
3. **2.3 × 10^−10**
4. **2.3 × 10^−12**

Thus, the final answer is:

**2.3 × 10^−8 ; 3.2 × 10^−10 ; 2.3 × 10^−10 ; 2.3 × 10^−12**