Order the following list of ‘numbers’ from smallest to largest. Describe any restrictions that apply. Respond to the general case, not a specific example. Then explain where ‘.cb’ would appear in the list.

Question

Order the following list of ‘numbers’ from smallest to largest. Describe any restrictions that apply. Respond to the general case, not a specific example. Then explain where ‘.cb’ would appear in the list.

.ab .aca .a

Answer 1

OK. We can assume that .a is the smallest, since the next digit is zero, and the other two have a nonzero 2nd digit.

Given that the 2nd digit is either b or c, that will determine which comes next.

if a < c, then .cb will come 4th.

if a > c, then .cb will come first.