To express the given numbers in scientific notation, we can rewrite each number as follows:
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98,789,000: \[ 98,789,000 = 9.8789 \times 10^7 \]
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987,890,000: \[ 987,890,000 = 9.8789 \times 10^8 \]
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89,987,000: \[ 89,987,000 = 8.9987 \times 10^7 \]
Now, we can compare the numbers expressed in scientific notation:
- \(9.8789 \times 10^7\)
- \(9.8789 \times 10^8\)
- \(8.9987 \times 10^7\)
Next, we compare the coefficients multiplied by their respective powers of ten:
- \(9.8789 \times 10^7\) (which corresponds to 98,789,000)
- \(9.8789 \times 10^8\) (which corresponds to 987,890,000)
- \(8.9987 \times 10^7\) (which corresponds to 89,987,000)
To find the least value, we compare the scientific notation coefficients (taking into account their exponent):
- The first two numbers have \(10^7\) exponent, so we compare \(9.8789\) with \(8.9987\). Clearly, \(8.9987\) is less than \(9.8789\).
- The last number has a lower exponent (\(10^7\)), while \(9.8789 \times 10^8\) is much larger due to the higher exponent.
Thus, the number \(89,987,000\) has the least value.
In scientific notation, the least value is:
\[ \boxed{8.9987 \times 10^7} \]