How does the excess$-$x representation for exponents of the scale factor in the floatingpoint number representation of Figure $9\mathrm{.}26$a facilitate the comparison of the relative sizes

of two floating$-$point numbers? $($Hint: Assume that a combinational logic network that

compares the relative sizes of two, $32-$bit, unsigned integers is available. Use this network, along with external logic gates, as necessary, to design the required network for the

comparison of floating$-$point numbers.$)$