Is 1/12 Bigger Than 5/12?

No, \(\frac{1}{12}\) < \(\frac{5}{12}\)

\(\frac{1}{12}\)
8.3333%
\(\frac{5}{12}\)
41.6667%

Method 1: Common Denominators

These fractions already share the same denominator: 12. We just need to compare the numerators.

Method 2: Cross Multiplication

A quicker way to compare fractions is to cross-multiply. Multiply each numerator by the other fraction's denominator:

Method 3: Decimal Comparison

Convert each fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator:

\(\frac{1}{12}\) as a decimal 0.083333
\(\frac{5}{12}\) as a decimal 0.416667
Difference 0.333333

Since 0.083333 is less than 0.416667, we confirm that \(\frac{1}{12} < \frac{5}{12}\). In percentage terms, \(\frac{1}{12}\) is 8.3333% and \(\frac{5}{12}\) is 41.6667%, a difference of 33.3333 percentage points.

Why Does This Work?

When two fractions share the same denominator, the pieces are the same size. A fraction with more pieces (a larger numerator) is simply a larger amount. Since 5 pieces is more than 1 pieces of the same size, \(\frac{5}{12}\) is the larger fraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: 1/12 or 5/12?

\(\frac{5}{12}\) is bigger. As a decimal, \(\frac{5}{12}\) = 0.416667 while \(\frac{1}{12}\) = 0.083333.

What is the difference between 1/12 and 5/12?

The difference is \(\frac{1}{3}\), which equals 0.333333 in decimal form (33.3333 percentage points).

How do you compare 1/12 and 5/12?

You can use three methods: find a common denominator and compare numerators, cross-multiply and compare the products, or convert both fractions to decimals. All three methods confirm that \(\frac{5}{12}\) \(>\) \(\frac{1}{12}\).