Final answer:
The numbers -4, 6.2, 18 1/2, -5.9, 21, -1/4, and 1.75 arranged from greatest to least are 21, 18 1/2, 6.2, 1.75, -1/4, -4, and -5.9. Understanding numerical order and comparisons is foundational in mathematics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question requires arranging a set of numbers in order from greatest to least. The set includes both positive and negative numbers as well as whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. When comparing these numbers, we consider their magnitude and sign; positive numbers are greater than negative numbers, and among positive numbers, the ones with the higher value are greater. Equivalently, among negative numbers, the ones with smaller absolute value are greater.
To arrange the numbers -4, 6.2, 18 1/2,-5.9, 21, -1/4, and 1.75 from greatest to least, we start by identifying the largest number, which is 21, and proceed to the smallest number, which is -5.9.
- 21 (largest positive number)
- 18 1/2 (second largest positive number)
- 6.2
- 1.75
- -1/4 (smallest positive number)
- -4
- -5.9 (smallest negative number)
This ordered list shows the given numbers arranged from the greatest to the least. Such problems are fundamental in understanding numerical order and comparisons, which are essential concepts in mathematics.