Question

fill in the blanks: 5 is than 9. so... 5

Explanation:

Step1: Compare 5 and 9

We know that 5 is less than 9 because when we count from 1 upwards, 5 comes before 9. So the first blank should be "less".

Step2: Choose the correct inequality symbol

The inequality symbol for "less than" is \(<\). So for the second blank, we use \(<\) to show that 5 is less than 9, i.e., \(5 < 9\).

Answer:

First blank: less; Second blank: \(<\) (so the filled - in statement is "5 is less than 9. So... \(5 < 9\)")