Final answer:
To compare the quantity '45 + 3' to another number, we first add 3 to 45, getting 48. Without a second quantity provided, we cannot choose a comparison symbol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which symbol correctly compares the two quantities, 45 + 3. To answer this question, we need to perform the arithmetic operation provided. When we add 3 to 45, we get 48. Therefore, the comparison of 45+3 to another number involves comparing 48 to that number. Since the question does not provide a second quantity for comparison, we cannot choose a comparison symbol such as < (less than), \(\equal\) (equals), or > (greater than) without knowing the other quantity.