Final answer:
2.5x10^-6 is less than 1.7x10^-6.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which is greater, we compare the coefficients (the numbers in front of the powers of 10) first. In this case, 2.5 is less than 1.7, so 2.5x10-6 is less than 1.7x10-6. Even if the coefficients were the same, we would compare the powers of 10. The smaller the power, the greater the value of the number.