Question

Complete the statement using \(>\) or \(<\). \(-3 \underline{?}0\)

Short answer

The completed statement is -3 < 0.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Inequalities

Inequalities are relations between two values that may be different. The inequality signs '<' mean 'less than', and '>' mean 'greater than'. When we are comparing two numbers, if the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right, we use the '<' sign. If the number on the left is larger than the number on the right, we use the '>' sign.

Understand the Position of Numbers on the Number Line

On a number line, numbers to the right are greater than numbers to the left. Zero is the midpoint on the number line - positive numbers are to its right and negative numbers to its left. As '-3' is to the left of the '0' on this number line, '-3' is less than '0'.

Apply Inequality Sign

From Step 2, we know that '-3' is less than '0'. So, the correct inequality sign to complete the statement '-3 ? 0' is '<'. This leads us to the completed statement '-3 < 0'.