If (a=0.204), (b=0.240), (c=0.2004), which is the correct descending order?

Correct answer: \(b>a>c\)

Write the decimals to four decimal places: \(a=0.2040\), \(b=0.2400\), and \(c=0.2004\). At the tenths place, \(b\) has 4 whereas \(a\) and \(c\) have 2, so \(b\) is greatest. For \(a\) and \(c\), the hundredths digits are equal, but at the thousandths place \(a\) has 4 and \(c\) has 0; hence \(a>c\). Therefore, the descending order is \(b>a>c\). Exam tip: Add trailing zeros when needed to compare the same number of decimal places.