Ted put several different integers in order from least to greatest. He then put the same integers in order from greatest to least. Both times the same number was third in order. Explain how this is possible.
I already answered this.
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To understand how this is possible, let's consider an example. Let's assume the integers Ted used are 5, 7, and 9.
When Ted puts the integers in order from least to greatest, the third number is 7. The order would be 5, 7, 9.
When Ted puts the same integers in order from greatest to least, the third number is still 7. The order would be 9, 7, 5.
So, in this case, the number 7 is the third in order both when arranged from least to greatest and from greatest to least.
This situation arises when there are only three different integers and the middle number is the same in both arrangements. To have additional examples, you can try other sets of three different integers, keeping the middle number the same in both arrangements.