Answer:
The difference in finishing time between the 2nd and 3rd places is the shortest and it is 0.07 seconds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first positioned swimmer took 55.98 seconds and the second positioned swimmer took 56.87 seconds to complete the race.
So, the difference is (56.87 - 55.98) = 0.89 seconds.
The second positioned swimmer took 56.87 seconds and the third positioned swimmer took 56.94 seconds to complete the race.
So, the difference is (56.94 - 56.87) = 0.07 seconds.
The third positioned swimmer took 56.94 seconds and the fourth positioned swimmer took 57.17 seconds to complete the race.
So, the difference is (57.17 - 56.94) = 0.23 seconds.
The fourth positioned swimmer took 57.17 seconds and the fifth positioned swimmer took 57.27 seconds to complete the race.
So, the difference is (57.27 - 57.17) = 0.10 seconds.
The fifth positioned swimmer took 57.27 seconds and the sixth positioned swimmer took 57.35 seconds to complete the race.
So, the difference is (57.27 - 57.35) = 0.08 seconds.
Therefore, the difference in finishing time between the 2nd and 3rd places is the shortest and it is 0.07 seconds. (Answer)