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

.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.