Which of the following represents the number one hundred eighty-two billion, thirty-six thousand, four hundred twenty-one and three hundred fifty-six thousandths?

The correct representation of the number one hundred eighty-two billion, thirty-six thousand, four hundred twenty-one and three hundred fifty-six thousandths is 182,000,036,421.356.

To break this down:

1. Whole number part: The phrase "one hundred eighty-two billion" corresponds to 182,000,000,000, which places the "182" in the billions place. Next, "thirty-six thousand" indicates an additional 36,000, which is positioned in the thousands place. After that, "four hundred twenty-one" refers to 421, which is placed in the hundreds place.

2. Decimal part: The phrase "and" in this context denotes that what follows is the decimal portion of the number. The "three hundred fifty-six thousandths" translates to 356, indicating that 356 appears in the thousandths place after the decimal point.

Putting all these components together, the complete number is 182 billion, 36 thousand, 421 and 356 thousandths, resulting in the numerical form 182,000,036,421.356.

This connecting of the parts helps confirm why this option accurately reflects the verbal description of the number given.