Entire number make up the order of magnitude or just the decimal place

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The discussion centers on the definition of "order of magnitude" and its relationship to decimal places. Participants debate whether the entire number or just the decimal places determine the order of magnitude. For instance, 3.4 and 0.1 are analyzed to clarify that while both numbers occupy the tenths place (10^-1), they represent different orders of magnitude due to their relative sizes. The consensus is that order of magnitude is primarily influenced by the entire number rather than solely the decimal placement.

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billabuwl50
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So, does the entire number make up the order of magnitude or just the decimal places. I don't understand
 
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What a strange statement! What number are you talking about? What "decimal places"? Do you know the definition of "order of magnitude"?
 
For example if I have 3.4 and .1, are these numbers of the same order of magnitude because they both go into the tenths place 10^-1, or are they different orders of magnitude because 3.4 is much larger than .1?
 

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