Compare (-1) Raised to Powers 69 and 79: Which Value is Larger?

First, let's evaluate $(-1)^{69}$. Since 69 is an odd number, $(-1)^{69} = -1$.

Next, evaluate $-(-1)^{79}$. The power 79 is also odd, so $(-1)^{79} = -1$. Applying the additional negative sign results in $-(-1) = 1$.

Now, we compare these two results. The expression $(-1)^{69} = -1$ and the expression $-(-1)^{79} = 1$.

Comparing the two: $-1$ is less than $1$.

Therefore, the relationship is $(-1)^{69} < -(-1)^{79}$.

The correct answer is $\lt$.