Final answer:
To compare 4.881 and 4 47/50, we first convert 4 47/50 to a decimal and get 4.94. Then, we see that 4.881 is less than 4.94, so the correct symbol is '<'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked to compare the numbers 4.881 and 4 47/50. First, convert the mixed number 4 47/50 to a decimal to make comparison easier.
The fraction 47/50 is equal to 0.94 when converted to a decimal. Therefore, 4 47/50 as a decimal is 4 + 0.94, which equals 4.94. Now we can easily compare the two decimals: 4.881 and 4.94.
Since 4.881 is less than 4.94, the correct symbol to compare these numbers is '<'. Therefore, 4.881 < 4.94 or 4.881 < 4 47/50.