Final answer:
After plotting the points C (-5,3), D (-2,3), E (4,-5), and F (4, -1) on a coordinate plane, we determined the length of CD to be 3 units and the length of EF to be 4 units. Hence, CD is less than EF.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether the segment CD is equal to, greater than, or less than the segment EF, it's necessary to plot the points on a coordinate plane and measure the lengths of the segments.
First, let's plot each of the points:
- Point C at (-5,3)
- Point D at (-2,3)
- Point E at (4,-5)
- Point F at (4, -1)
Since both C and D have the same y-coordinate, they lie on a horizontal line, and their distance apart can be found by subtracting the x-coordinates. This gives us the length of CD: |(-5) - (-2)| = |3| = 3 units.
Similarly, points E and F have the same x-coordinate, meaning they lie on a vertical line. Their distance apart is the absolute difference in their y-coordinates: |-5 - (-1)| = |4| = 4 units.
Comparing the lengths, we see that CD is less than EF because 3 units is less than 4 units.
Therefore, the correct answer is c) CD is less than EF.