Which polynomial contains the powers in descending order?
a. 3x6 + 10x2 + x8 + 8x3 - 2
b. 10x2 + 8x3 + x8 - 2 + 3x6
c. x8 + 10x2 + 8x3 + 3x6 - 2
d. x8 + 3x6 + 8x3 + 10x2 - 2

The option D contains the powers in descending order.

Step-by-step explanation:

Descending order means that any term of the expression must have a lower order than the previous term. Keep in mind that if there is a constant (number without the ) is because the number has implicitly the factor . However, this factor equals 1. For a better understanding, let's put the factor with the constant numbers. Now, let's analyse each option:

A.

As the first term has a power of 6, the second term must have a lower power than 6. As it is 2, the second term is correct.As the second term has a power of 2, the third term must have a lower power than 2. As it is 8 (it is higher), the third term is incorrect. So, the option A is INCORRECT.

B.

As the first term has a power of 2, the second term must have a lower power than 2. As it is 3 (it is higher), the second term is incorrect. So, the option B is INCORRECT.

C.

As the first term has a power of 8, the second term must have a lower power than 8. As it is 2, the second term is correct.As the second term has a power of 2, the third term must have a lower power than 2. As it is 3 (it is higher), the third term is incorrect. So, the option C is INCORRECT.

D.

As the first term has a power of 8, the second term must have a lower power than 8. As it is 6, the second term is correct.As the second term has a power of 6, the third term must have a lower power than 6. As it is 3, the third term is correct.As the third term has a power of 3, the fourth term must have a lower power than 3. As it is 2, the fourth term is correct.Finally, as the fourth term has a power of 2, the last term must have a lower power than 2. As it is 0, the last term is correct.As all terms are correct, the option D is the CORRECT one.

Thus, the option D contains the powers in descending order.