Final answer:
The correct sequence for the numbers 5.235, 5 1/4, 26/5, and (5/2)^2 is 5.235, 5.25, 5.2, 6.25, which corresponds to option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
When attempting to order the numbers 5.235, 5 1/4, 26/5, and (5/2)^2, it's important to express all of them in the same format to understand their relative sizes. Let's assess each of them:
- 5.235 is already in decimal form.
- 5 1/4 is a mixed number, which is equal to 5.25 in decimal form.
- 26/5 is an improper fraction, which can be divided to get 5.2.
- (5/2)^2, or (2.5)^2, is squaring 2.5 which equals 6.25.
Now that all the numbers are in decimal form, it's easier to compare them. Hence, the correct sequence based on the given options would be 5.235, 5 1/4, 26/5, and (5/2)^2, which corresponds to option A) 5.235, 5.25, 5.2, 6.25, as they're all in an ascending order.