Which of the following shows the correct order for - 1 2/5, (-1) ^2, - 1.4 and (1/2) ^2?

A) (-1) ^2 < - 1.4 < - 1 2/5 < (1/2) ^2

B) - 1.4 < - 1 2/5 < (1/2) ^2 < (-1) ^2

C) - 1 2/5 < - 1.4 < (1/2) ^2 < (-1) ^2

To answer this question you have to make some calculations that permit makind the comparisson to place the numbers in order.

1) - 1 2/5 is - (1 and 2/5) = - (1 + 2/5) = - (5 + 2) / 5 = - 7/5

2) (-1) ^2 = 1

3) - 1.4 = - 14/10 = - 7/5

4) (1/2) ^2 = 1/4

So,

1) - 1.4 = - 7/5;

2) all the negative numbers are less than any positive numbers.

3) the fraction 1/4 is less than 1.

Therefore, the order is: - 1.4 = - 7/5 < 1/4 < (-1) ^2.

That option is not among the answers, so there is an error either in the statement of the question or in the set of choices.

Answer: - 1.4 = - 7/5 < 1/4 < (-1) ^2