Using rational approximations, what is an inequality statement comparing 21−−√ and 17−−√? Enter <, >, or =.(1 point)

The inequality is: 21−−√
17−−√.

The inequality is > because 21−−√ is greater than 17−−√.

To compare 21−−√ and 17−−√ using rational approximations, we can approximate each value to the nearest whole number.

Approximating 21−−√: The square root of 21 is approximately 4.58258. Rounded to the nearest whole number, it becomes 5.

Approximating 17−−√: The square root of 17 is approximately 4.12311. Rounded to the nearest whole number, it becomes 4.

Comparing the rounded values, we have 5 > 4.

Therefore, the inequality statement is: 21−−√ > 17−−√.