Calculate Group Averages and Choose the Comparison Sign: Finding the Inequality

To solve this problem, we need to compare the given values: $17$, $15$, $12$, $12$, and $9$, and choose the sign between the middle values $15$ and $12$.

Step-by-step analysis:

• Step 1: Consider the numbers
  We're given the sequence $17$, $15$, $?$, $12$, $12$, and $9$. We're tasked to find the correct symbol to place in the sequence comparing $15$ with $12$.
• Step 2: Compare the values
  $15$ and $12$ are part of the sequence list. Clearly, $15$ is greater than $12$.
• Step 3: Selection of the sign
  Since the number $15$ is greater than $12$, the inequality that represents this correctly is “$>$” (greater than).

Therefore, the correct inequality to place in the sequence is $>$.