To compare \( \frac{4}{12} \) and \( \frac{1}{2} \), we can simplify \( \frac{4}{12} \):
\[ \frac{4}{12} = \frac{1}{3} \quad (\text{dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4}) \]
Now, we can compare \( \frac{1}{3} \) and \( \frac{1}{2} \). To do this, we can convert them to a common denominator or compare their decimal values:
- \( \frac{1}{3} \approx 0.333 \)
- \( \frac{1}{2} = 0.5 \)
Since \( 0.333 < 0.5 \), we can conclude that:
\[ \frac{4}{12} < \frac{1}{2} \]
So yes, \( \frac{4}{12} \) is less than \( \frac{1}{2} \).