To compare \( \frac{3}{8} \) and \( \frac{1}{2} \), we can convert \( \frac{1}{2} \) to a fraction with a common denominator of 8.
\[ \frac{1}{2} = \frac{4}{8} \]
Now we compare \( \frac{3}{8} \) and \( \frac{4}{8} \):
\[ \frac{3}{8} < \frac{4}{8} \]
Thus, \( \frac{3}{8} \) is indeed less than \( \frac{1}{2} \).