8.2. A number was decreased by $1 \%$, then the remainder by $2 \%$, then the remainder by $3 \%$, and so on, until finally the remainder was decreased by $30 \%$. Another number was first decreased by $30 \%$, then the remainder by $29 \%$, and so on, until the remainder was decreased by $1 \%$. The results turned out to be equal. Which initial number was larger
Answer: they were equal.

Solution: If the first number was equal to a, then the final number is $0.99 * 0.98 * \ldots * 0.70 * a$. If the second number is $b$, then the final number is $0.70 * 0.71 * \ldots * 0.99 * b$. Since according to the condition $0.99 * 0.98 * \ldots * 0.70 * a = 0.70 * 0.71 * \ldots * 0.99 * b$, then $a=b$.

Criteria: Only the answer, the answer with verification - 1 point.