Answer:
To find the difference in square miles between the smallest state, Rhode Island, and the largest state, Alaska, we need to subtract the area of Rhode Island from the area of Alaska.
The area of Rhode Island is given as 39² mi², which means it has an area of 39 multiplied by itself, or 39 * 39 = 1521 mi².
The area of Alaska is given as 87³ mi², which means it has an area of 87 multiplied by itself three times, or 87 * 87 * 87 = 658,503 mi².
To find the difference, we subtract the area of Rhode Island from the area of Alaska: 658,503 mi² - 1521 mi² = 657,982 mi².
Therefore, the difference in square miles between the smallest and largest state is 657,982 mi².
Step-by-step explanation: