Which set of numbers is arranged in descending order?
A. 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7 x 10^-30
B. 7 x 10^-30, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7.6 x 10^-25
C. 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7 x 10^-30
D. 7.2 x 10^-30, 7 x 10^-30, 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-25
The correct set of numbers arranged in descending order is:
C. 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7 x 10^-30
To determine which set of numbers is arranged in descending order, you need to compare the values of the numbers.
In this case, the numbers are given in scientific notation, which consists of a decimal number multiplied by a power of 10.
Let's compare the first values in each set:
A. 7.6 x 10^-25
B. 7 x 10^-30
C. 7.6 x 10^-25
D. 7.2 x 10^-30
Comparing the decimal numbers, we see that 7.6 is greater than 7.
Since the decimal numbers are different, there is no need to compare the powers of 10.
Based on this comparison, we can eliminate options B and D because they have a smaller decimal number than option A.
Now, let's compare the second values in each remaining set:
A. 7.6 x 10^-25
C. 7.2 x 10^-25
Comparing the decimal numbers, we see that 7.6 is greater than 7.2.
Again, there is no need to compare the powers of 10 since the decimal numbers are different.
Based on this comparison, we can conclude that option A is arranged in descending order.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7 x 10^-30.
To arrange the numbers in descending order, we need to compare the exponential part (the negative power of 10) of each number. The bigger the negative power, the smaller the number.
Looking at the options:
A. 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7 x 10^-30
B. 7 x 10^-30, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7.6 x 10^-25
C. 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-30, 7 x 10^-30
D. 7.2 x 10^-30, 7 x 10^-30, 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-25
In option B, both numbers have an exponent of -30, so we need to compare the coefficient (the number before the exponential part). 7.2 is greater than 7, so the first number is larger in this case.
In option C, both numbers have the same exponent of -25, so we again need to compare the coefficient. 7.6 is greater than 7.2, so the first number is larger in this case.
In option D, both numbers have the same exponent of -30, so once again we compare the coefficient. This time, 7.2 is greater than 7, so the first number is larger.
Therefore, the set of numbers arranged in descending order is option D: 7.2 x 10^-30, 7 x 10^-30, 7.6 x 10^-25, 7.2 x 10^-25.