Question

place the numbers in order from least to greatest.
least
$3.991\times10^{12}$
$1.285\times10^{11}$
$2.617\times10^{9}$
$8.941\times10^{7}$
$9.339\times10^{3}$
greatest

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze exponents of scientific notation.

The exponents of \(10\) in the given numbers are \(12\), \(11\), \(9\), \(7\), and \(3\). Smaller exponents mean smaller numbers when the coefficient is in a reasonable range (since all coefficients are positive and less than \(10\)). So, the number with the smallest exponent (\(10^3\)) is the least, then \(10^7\), \(10^9\), \(10^{11}\), and the largest is \(10^{12}\).

Step2: Order based on exponents.

• \(9.339\times10^{3}\) (exponent \(3\))
• \(8.941\times10^{7}\) (exponent \(7\))
• \(2.617\times10^{9}\) (exponent \(9\))
• \(1.285\times10^{11}\) (exponent \(11\))
• \(3.991\times10^{12}\) (exponent \(12\))

Answer:

Least to greatest: \(9.339\times10^{3}\), \(8.941\times10^{7}\), \(2.617\times10^{9}\), \(1.285\times10^{11}\), \(3.991\times10^{12}\)