Question

Three different numbers need to be placed in order from least to greatest. For example, if the numbers are ordered 9, 16, 4, they should be reordered as 4, 9, 16. Which of the following algorithms can be used to place any three numbers in the correct order?

If the first number is greater than the last number, swap them. Then, if the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them.

If the first number is greater than the last number, swap them. Then, if the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them.
A

If the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them. Then, if the middle number is greater than the last number, swap them.

If the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them. Then, if the middle number is greater than the last number, swap them.
B

If the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them. Then, if the middle number is greater than the last number, swap them. Then, if the first number is greater than the last number, swap them.

If the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them. Then, if the middle number is greater than the last number, swap them. Then, if the first number is greater than the last number, swap them.
C

If the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them. Then, if the middle number is greater than the last number, swap them. Then, if the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them.

Answer 1

The correct algorithm to place any three numbers in the correct order is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct algorithm to place any three numbers in the correct order is option B: If the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them. Then, if the middle number is greater than the last number, swap them.

For example, if our numbers are 9, 16, and 4:

1. First, we compare 9 and 16. Since 9 is less than 16, no swapping is needed.
2. Then, we compare 16 and 4. Since 16 is greater than 4, we swap them to get 4, 16, 9.
3. Finally, we compare 4 and 9. Since 4 is less than 9, no swapping is needed.

So the correct order is 4, 9, 16.

Answer 2

The correct algorithm to sort three numbers in ascending order is Option B, involving a series of comparisons and swaps to ensure every number is in the right position.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves finding an algorithm to order three numbers from least to greatest. The correct answer is Option B because it ensures that all three numbers are compared and swapped if necessary, resulting in the correct order. Let's break down the steps in Option B for clarification:

1. If the first number is greater than the middle number, swap them.
2. If the middle number is greater than the last number, swap them.
3. If the first number is greater than the last number, swap them.

This series of comparisons and swaps correctly sorts any three numbers.