compare using < > or =
-2 _____ -4
<
>
=
>
To compare the numbers -2 and -4 using the symbols <, >, or =, we need to determine the relationship between the two numbers.
When using the symbol "<", it means "less than." So, if we compare -2 with -4, we can say that -2 is less than -4 (written as -2 < -4). This is because -2 is closer to 0 on the number line, making it smaller than -4.
When using the symbol ">", it means "greater than." Thus, if we compare -2 with -4, we cannot say that -2 is greater than -4 (written as -2 > -4). This is because -2 is closer to 0 on the number line, making it smaller than -4.
Finally, when using the symbol "=", it means "equal to." If we compare -2 with -4, we can say that -2 is not equal to -4 (written as -2 ≠ -4). This is because -2 and -4 are not the same number; they have different values.
So, in the comparison -2 _____ -4:
-2 < -4 (less than)
-2 > -4 (not greater than)
-2 ≠ -4 (not equal to)
To compare the numbers -2 and -4 using <, >, or =, let's analyze each symbol:
1. < (less than): This symbol means that the number on the left is smaller than the number on the right. In this case, -2 is greater (or farther to the right on the number line) than -4. So, -2 < -4 would be incorrect.
2. > (greater than): This symbol means that the number on the left is larger than the number on the right. In this case, -2 is smaller (or farther to the left on the number line) than -4. So, -2 > -4 would be correct.
3. = (equal to): This symbol means that the number on the left is equal to the number on the right. In this case, -2 is not equal to -4. So, -2 = -4 would be incorrect.
Therefore, the correct comparison would be: -2 > -4.