Final answer:
The numbers in descending order are 5.40, 4.5, 0.540, and 0.0450. The whole numbers are compared first, followed by the decimal parts.
Step-by-step explanation:
To order the numbers from the largest to the smallest, we should first compare the whole number parts, and then the decimal parts if the whole number parts are the same.
- 5.40 - This is the largest because it has a '5' in the ones place.
- 4.5 - The next largest, with a '4' in the ones place.
- 0.540 - Has '5' in the tenths place, larger than '0' in the tenths place of the remaining number.
- 0.0450 - The smallest, with '4' in the hundredths place, and all other places being smaller as well.
Therefore, the numbers in descending order (largest to smallest) are: 5.40, 4.5, 0.540, 0.0450.