DESCENDING ORDER

Descending Order

Definition Of Descending Order

When a group of numbers is arranged in order from the greatest to the least, the numbers are said to be in Descending Order.

Example of Descending Order

To arrange the numbers 58, 209, 289 and 132 in descending order, we first compare each number to its adjacent number and then write the numbers in order of the greatest to the least.
289 > 209 > 132 > 58
So, the descending order of the numbers is 289, 209, 132, and 58.

Video Examples: Arrange in Descending Order.wmv

Solved Example on Descending Order

Ques: Arrange the numbers, 44, 200, 250 and 132, in descending order.

Choices:

A. 250, 200, 132, and 44
B. 200, 250, 132, and 44
C. 132, 250, 44, and 200
D. 44, 132, 200, and 250
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Step 1: When numbers are placed from the greatest to the least, the numbers are said to be in descending order.
Step 2: 250 > 200 > 132 > 44
Step 3: So, the descending order of the numbers is 250, 200, 132, and 44.

Quick Summary

Descending order means arranging numbers from biggest to smallest.
We compare numbers to find the largest, then the next largest, and so on.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes

Confusing descending with ascending order.
Incorrectly comparing numbers.

🌍 Real-World Uses

Arranging students by height from tallest to shortest in a school lineup.
Ordering the results of a race, from the fastest time to the slowest.
Organizing the price of items from highest to lowest to find the most expensive product.

📋 Standards Alignment

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.NBT.B.3
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.NBT.A.4

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use manipulatives like blocks or counters to help students visualize the concept. Provide plenty of practice examples.

🎓 Prerequisites

Understanding of number values
Ability to compare two numbers

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: Which of the following shows the numbers 10, 5, 15, 20 in descending order?

A. 5, 10, 15, 20 B. 20, 15, 10, 5 C. 10, 5, 20, 15 D. 15, 20, 5, 10

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between ascending and descending order?
A: Ascending order is from smallest to largest, while descending order is from largest to smallest.