Question

which sign makes the statement true? |-88| ? |-87| > < =

Explanation:

Step1: Recall absolute value definition

The absolute value of a number \( x \), denoted \( |x| \), is the distance from \( x \) to 0 on the number line, so \( |x| = x \) if \( x \geq 0 \) and \( |x| = -x \) if \( x < 0 \).
For \( |-88| \), since \( -88 < 0 \), \( |-88| = -(-88) = 88 \).
For \( |-87| \), since \( -87 < 0 \), \( |-87| = -(-87) = 87 \).

Step2: Compare the two values

Now we compare 88 and 87. Since \( 88 > 87 \), we have \( |-88| > |-87| \).

Answer:

\( > \)