Question

choose the correct inequality symbol to compare these numbers. 3.5 × 10⁴? 2.8 × 10⁴ greater than less than

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the numbers

Both numbers are in the form of \(a\times10^{4}\), where \(a\) is 3.5 and 2.8 respectively.

Step2: Compare the coefficients

Since the exponent part \(10^{4}\) is the same for both numbers, we just need to compare the coefficients 3.5 and 2.8. We know that \(3.5>2.8\).

Step3: Determine the inequality symbol

When two numbers are in scientific notation with the same power of 10, the number with the larger coefficient is larger. So \(3.5\times 10^{4}>2.8\times 10^{4}\).

Answer:

\(3.5\times 10^{4}\boldsymbol{>}2.8\times 10^{4}\), so the correct symbol is the "Greater Than" symbol (the one with \(>\)).