Final answer:
To compare 52.311 and 52.31, we note that 52.311 has an additional '1' in the third decimal place, making it slightly larger than 52.31.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to compare the two numbers 52.311 and 52.31. To compare these numbers, we look at each decimal place in turn. Both numbers have '52' before the decimal point, so we start comparing after the decimal point. The first decimal places are the same, they both have a '3'. Moving to the next decimal place, they are again the same, both having a '1'. However, the third decimal place is different. The number 52.311 has an extra '1', making it slightly larger than 52.31 because there is nothing in the third decimal place of 52.31. Thus, 52.311 is greater than 52.31.