To compare the numbers -17 and -1 using an inequality symbol, let's analyze their values:
1. Step by step comparison:
- [tex]\( -17 \)[/tex] is a negative number that is farther from zero than [tex]\( -1 \)[/tex].
- In terms of position on a number line, [tex]\( -17 \)[/tex] is to the left of [tex]\( -1 \)[/tex].
2. Inequality symbols:
- A number that is farther to the left on the number line is less than a number that is farther to the right.
- Therefore, [tex]\( -17 \)[/tex] is less than [tex]\( -1 \)[/tex].
3. Choosing the correct inequality symbol:
- The correct inequality symbol to describe the relationship between [tex]\( -17 \)[/tex] and [tex]\( -1 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( < \)[/tex].
Thus, the correct choice is:
A. [tex]\( < \)[/tex]
