1. The numbers a, b, c are such that a>b and (a-b)(b-c)(c-a)>0. Which is greater: a or c?
1. Obviously, among the three given numbers there are no equal ones. Since a > b, a - b > 0, from which (b - c)(c - a) > 0. Suppose c > a. Then c - a > 0 and $\mathrm{b}-\mathrm{c}>0$, i.e., $\mathrm{b}>\mathrm{c}>\mathrm{a}$ - a contradiction to the condition.

Answer: a ass