Which sign makes the statement true?

Question

2.5 × 10^–8 5.2 × 10^–8

Answer 1

To determine which sign makes the statement true, we need to compare the two numbers: \(2.5 \times 10^{-8}\) and \(5.2 \times 10^{-8}\).

1. Convert to standard form for comparison:

   • \(2.5 \times 10^{-8} = 0.000000025\)
   • \(5.2 \times 10^{-8} = 0.000000052\)

2. Compare the two values:

   • Clearly, \(0.000000025\) is less than \(0.000000052\).

This means the correct relation is:

\[ 2.5 \times 10^{-8} < 5.2 \times 10^{-8} \]

So the sign that makes the statement true is \(<\).