Given the equations I. a² + 8a + 16 = 0 and II. b² - 4b + 3 = 0, determine the correct relationship between the values of a and b.

Explanation

Solving equation I: (a + 4)² = 0, so a = -4. Solving equation II: (b - 3)(b - 1) = 0, so b = 1 or 3. Since -4 is less than both 1 and 3, the correct relationship is a < b.