Compare Fractions: Determine the Symbol Between 4/6 and 5/12

Fraction Comparison with Different Denominators

Fill in the missing sign:

46512 \frac{4}{6}☐\frac{5}{12}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Choose the appropriate sign
00:03 We want to multiply the fraction by 2 to get a common denominator
00:09 Remember to multiply both numerator and denominator
00:14 Now we have a common denominator between the fractions
00:18 When denominators are equal, the larger the numerator, the larger the fraction
00:29 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign:

46512 \frac{4}{6}☐\frac{5}{12}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify a common denominator for both fractions.
  • Step 2: Adjust each fraction to have this same denominator.
  • Step 3: Compare the numerators of the converted fractions.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The denominators of the given fractions are 6 and 12. The least common multiple (LCM) of 6 and 12 is 12.

Step 2: Convert 46 \frac{4}{6} to have a denominator of 12:

46=4×26×2=812 \frac{4}{6} = \frac{4 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{8}{12}

The fraction 512 \frac{5}{12} already has the denominator 12, so it remains:

512=512 \frac{5}{12} = \frac{5}{12}

Step 3: Compare the numerators of the fractions 812 \frac{8}{12} and 512 \frac{5}{12} .

We have 8>5 8 > 5 .

Therefore, 812>512 \frac{8}{12} > \frac{5}{12} , which implies 46>512 \frac{4}{6} > \frac{5}{12} .

Thus, the correct comparison sign is > > .

3

Final Answer

> >

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Convert fractions to same denominator before comparing numerators
  • Technique: Find LCD: LCM of 6 and 12 is 12
  • Check: Verify 812>512 \frac{8}{12} > \frac{5}{12} since 8 > 5 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Comparing numerators and denominators separately
    Don't compare 4 vs 5 and 6 vs 12 separately = wrong conclusion! This ignores how fractions actually work as single values. Always convert to common denominators first, then compare only the numerators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Fill in the missing sign:

\( \frac{5}{25}☐\frac{1}{5} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just compare 4 and 5 directly?

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Because fractions represent parts of different wholes! 46 \frac{4}{6} means 4 out of 6 equal parts, while 512 \frac{5}{12} means 5 out of 12 smaller parts.

How do I find the least common denominator quickly?

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Look for the larger denominator first. If it's divisible by the smaller one (like 12 ÷ 6 = 2), then the larger number is your LCD! Otherwise, use prime factorization.

What if both fractions need to be converted?

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Convert both fractions to the LCD. For example, if comparing 23 \frac{2}{3} and 34 \frac{3}{4} , convert both to twelfths: 812 \frac{8}{12} and 912 \frac{9}{12} .

Can I cross-multiply to compare fractions?

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Yes! Cross-multiply: 4×12=48 4 \times 12 = 48 and 6×5=30 6 \times 5 = 30 . Since 48 > 30, we have 46>512 \frac{4}{6} > \frac{5}{12} .

Should I simplify fractions before comparing?

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It's helpful but not required. Simplifying 46 \frac{4}{6} to 23 \frac{2}{3} makes the numbers smaller, but you still need a common denominator to compare properly.

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