Compare -(5³) and 5³: Finding the Missing Operator

To solve this problem, we'll compare the expressions $-(5^3)$ and $5^3$ by calculating each separately and then determining which is larger.

Step 1: Calculate $5^3$.
This is equal to $5 \times 5 \times 5 = 125$.

Step 2: Calculate $-(5^3)$.
Since $5^3 = 125$, applying the negative sign gives us $-(5^3) = -125$.

Step 3: Compare the values.
We have $-(5^3) = -125$ and $5^3 = 125$.
Clearly, $-125 < 125$.

Thus, the correct answer is that $-(5^3) \lt 5^3$.

The correct choice for this problem is < .