Question

Place the numbers in descending order.
2.3 × 10−10 ; 3.2 × 10−10 ; 2.3 × 10−12 ; 2.3 × 10−8

Answer 1

To place the numbers in descending order, we first need to compare them by their exponents. The larger the exponent in a scientific notation, the larger the number.

Here are the numbers you provided:

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

Now, let's compare them:

- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-8} \) has the largest exponent (-8), so it is the largest number.
- Next, we compare \( 2.3 \times 10^{-10} \) and \( 3.2 \times 10^{-10} \). Since \( 3.2 \) is greater than \( 2.3 \) but both have the same exponent (-10), \( 3.2 \times 10^{-10} \) is the next largest.
- \( 2.3 \times 10^{-10} \) comes next.
- Finally, \( 2.3 \times 10^{-12} \) has the smallest exponent (-12), so it is the smallest number.

Putting this together, the numbers in descending order are:

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