Question

Place the numbers in descending order.

2.3 x 10^-8
2.3 x 10-10
2.3 x 10^-12
2.3 x 10^-10

Answer 1

To place the numbers in descending order, we need to first express them clearly and then compare their values based on the exponent part:

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

Now, we compare the exponents:

- \( 10^{-8} \) is greater than \( 10^{-10} \) and \( 10^{-12} \).
- \( 10^{-10} \) is greater than \( 10^{-12} \).

Thus, the order from greatest to least is:

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

In conclusion, the numbers in descending order are:

\( 2.3 \times 10^{-8}, 2.3 \times 10^{-10}, 2.3 \times 10^{-10}, 2.3 \times 10^{-12} \)