Final answer:
To order the numbers from LEAST to GREATEST in scientific notation, we compare the exponents, as the size of the number is dictated by the exponent. Following this method, the correct order is 2.503 x 10^-7, 6.8 x 10^0, 3.9 x 10^1, 2.503 x 10^4, 8.9 x 10^9, which is option B in the list provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
To arrange the given numbers from LEAST to GREATEST, we need to compare the exponents as these numbers are written in scientific notation. The exponent tells us the size of a number: the larger the exponent, the larger the number. Negative exponents represent small numbers between 0 and 1, with smaller exponents (i.e., more negative) indicating smaller numbers. The numbers given in scientific notation are 2.503 x 10^-7, 3.9 x 10^1, 2.503 x 10^4, 8.9 x 10^9, and 6.8 x 10^0. The order from least to GREATEST is based on their exponents:
- 2.503 x 10^-7: This has the smallest exponent, indicating the smallest number.
- 6.8 x 10^0: An exponent of zero means the number is 1, so 6.8 x 1 = 6.8, which is larger than the previous number.
- 3.9 x 10^1: This represents 39, which is larger than 6.8.
- 2.503 x 10^4: This represents 25,030, which is significantly larger than 39.
- 8.9 x 10^9: This is the largest number, with an exponent of 9 indicating a very large value.
Therefore, the correct order from least to greatest is: 2.503 x 10^-7, 6.8 x 10^0, 3.9 x 10^1, 2.503 x 10^4, 8.9 x 10^9, which corresponds to option B.