Answer: To compare −7/8 and −5/6, we can convert them to a common denominator.
Multiplying the denominator and numerator of −7/8 by 6, we get:
−7/8 = −(7/8) × (6/6) = −42/48
Multiplying the denominator and numerator of −5/6 by 8, we get:
−5/6 = −(5/6) × (8/8) = −40/48
Now we can compare the two rational numbers:
−42/48 is less than −40/48, since negative numbers get larger as their value gets closer to zero.
Therefore, we have:
−7/8 < −5/6.
The correct sign to compare the two rational numbers is "<".
Explanation: