(a) Without a calculator, arrange the quantities $\displaystyle 3^{1.9}$, $\displaystyle e^{1.9}$, $\displaystyle \left( \sqrt{2} \right)^{1.9}$ in ascending order:

$\displaystyle 3^{1.9}$ is the ? greatest second greatest smallest , $\displaystyle e^{1.9}$ is the ? greatest second greatest smallest , and $\displaystyle \left( \sqrt{2} \right)^{1.9}$ is the ? greatest second greatest smallest .

(b) Without a calculator, select less than, equal to, or greater than.

$2^{-1.9}$ ? < > = $e^{-1.9}$