Question

Difficulty: MediumExponents, Roots, and Scientific Notation

Arrange the following mathematical expressions in order from least to greatest value.

  1. 123×522^3 \times 5^2
  2. 24×1024 \times 10^2
  3. 32.5×105\sqrt{2.5 \times 10^5}
  4. 40.06×1040.06 \times 10^4

Answer

The correct order of the expressions from least to greatest is 23×522^3 \times 5^2, 4×1024 \times 10^2, 2.5×105\sqrt{2.5 \times 10^5}, and 0.06×1040.06 \times 10^4.
Evaluating each term yields 23×52=2002^3 \times 5^2 = 200, 4×102=4004 \times 10^2 = 400, 2.5×105=500\sqrt{2.5 \times 10^5} = 500, and 0.06×104=6000.06 \times 10^4 = 600. Comparing these simplified values shows that 200<400<500<600200 < 400 < 500 < 600, confirming the correct sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the expression with bases 2 and 5.
23×52=8×25=2002^3 \times 5^2 = 8 \times 25 = 200
First compute the exponential terms and then multiply the resulting values.
2
Evaluate the expression in standard scientific notation.
4×102=4×100=4004 \times 10^2 = 4 \times 100 = 400
Multiply 4 by the value of 10210^2.
3
Evaluate the square root expression.
2.5×105=25×104=5×102=500\sqrt{2.5 \times 10^5} = \sqrt{25 \times 10^4} = 5 \times 10^2 = 500
Adjust the expression under the square root to make it easier to simplify: 2.5×105=25×1042.5 \times 10^5 = 25 \times 10^4. The square root of 25 is 5, and the square root of 10410^4 is 10210^2.
4
Evaluate the non-standard power of ten expression.
0.06×104=0.06×10,000=6000.06 \times 10^4 = 0.06 \times 10,000 = 600
Multiply the decimal coefficient by the power of ten by shifting the decimal point four places to the right.
5
Compare and order all the simplified values.
200<400<500<600200 < 400 < 500 < 600
Sort the values from least to greatest to determine the correct order.

Key Concept

Evaluating expressions involving powers, roots, and scientific notation to compare their values.
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