Compare Fractions: Determine the Missing Sign Between 1/4 and 5/12

Fill in the missing sign:

$\frac{1}{4}☐\frac{5}{12}$

To solve this problem, we'll use the cross-multiplication method to compare the fractions $\frac{1}{4}$ and $\frac{5}{12}$.

• Step 1: Cross-multiply the fractions.
  We multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second, and the numerator of the second fraction by the denominator of the first:
• $1 \times 12 = 12$
• $5 \times 4 = 20$
• Step 2: Compare the results from cross-multiplication.
  Now, compare the results: $12$ and $20$.
  Since $12 < 20$, it follows that $\frac{1}{4} < \frac{5}{12}$.

Therefore, the correct sign to fill in the blank is $<$.