To determine which statement among the given choices is true, we need to examine each statement involving the number -8 and 8.
1. Statement: [tex]\(-8 > 8\)[/tex]
This statement suggests that -8 is greater than 8. To see if this is true, consider the placement of -8 and 8 on the number line. -8 is located to the left of 8 on a standard number line, meaning it is smaller than 8. Therefore, [tex]\(-8 > 8\)[/tex] is false.
2. Statement: [tex]\(-8 < 8\)[/tex]
This statement suggests that -8 is less than 8. As previously discussed, -8, being to the left of 8 on the number line, is indeed smaller than 8. Thus, [tex]\(-8 < 8\)[/tex] is true.
3. Statement: [tex]\(-8 = 8\)[/tex]
This statement suggests that -8 is equal to 8. Clearly, -8 and 8 are different numbers; -8 is a negative number, whereas 8 is a positive number. Therefore, [tex]\(-8 = 8\)[/tex] is false.
Upon examining each statement, the one that is true is:
[tex]\[
-8 < 8
\][/tex]
Thus, the correct choice is the second statement.
