1. **State the problem:** We need to determine whether $0.101$ is less than, greater than, or equal to $0.1001$. 2. **Compare the numbers:** Both numbers are decimals starting with $0.1$. To compare, look at the digits after the decimal point one by one. 3. **Compare digit by digit:** - $0.101$ has digits after decimal: $1$, $0$, $1$. - $0.1001$ has digits after decimal: $1$, $0$, $0$, $1$. 4. **Compare the third decimal place:** - For $0.101$, the third digit is $1$. - For $0.1001$, the third digit is $0$. Since $1 > 0$, $0.101$ is greater than $0.1001$. 5. **Conclusion:** The correct sign to place between $0.101$ and $0.1001$ is $>$. **Final answer:** $$0.101 > 0.1001$$