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

1 answer

To arrange the numbers in descending order, we can compare their values by looking at the exponent first and then the coefficients.

The numbers given are:

  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 rewrite them with their exponents in mind:

  • \( 2.3 \times 10^{-8} \) (largest exponent, therefore the largest value)
  • \( 2.3 \times 10^{-10} \) (second largest due to the same exponent)
  • \( 3.2 \times 10^{-10} \) (same exponent but smaller coefficient, therefore smaller value)
  • \( 2.3 \times 10^{-12} \) (smallest exponent, therefore the smallest value)

Now, arranging these 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 is:

Descending Order:

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