Question

Copy and complete the statement using < or >.

$-9\underset{¯}{\text{\hspace{0.17em}\hspace{0.17em}}?}-12$

Short answer

The complete statement is $-9>-12$.

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 – Concept of integers

Integers include the positive and negative whole numbers including zero. An integer cannot be a decimal or fractional part with it.

The set of integers is denoted by the numbers $\mathrm{...},-4,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,4,\mathrm{...}$

Step-2 – Identify the numbers

In the number line the negative number decrease to the left of 0 and the positive numbers increase to the right of 0 on the number line.

As we move from left to right on the number line, the magnitude of the numbers increase.

Step-3 – Complete the statement

Observe that the number –9 and –12 both are on the left of 0 on the number line. But –9 is on the right of –12, as the negative numbers decrease to the left indefinitely on number line. So, –9 must be greater than –12.

So, the correct statement is $-9>-12$.