Compare Fractions: Determine the Correct Symbol Between 1/4 and 5/6

Fill in the missing sign:

$\frac{1}{4}☐\frac{5}{6}$

To solve this problem, we'll compare the fractions: $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{5}{6}$.

• Step 1: Determine the least common denominator (LCD) of the fractions' denominators, 4 and 6. The LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.
• Step 2: Convert $\frac{1}{4}$ to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12:

$\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{3}{12}$

• Step 3: Convert $\frac{5}{6}$ to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12:

$\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{10}{12}$

• Step 4: Compare the numerators: $\frac{3}{12}$ compared to $\frac{10}{12}$.

Since $3$ is less than $10$, we conclude that $\frac{1}{4}$ is less than $\frac{5}{6}$.

Thus, the missing sign is $<$.