Question

3. In class today, 1/4 of the students wore shorts and

3/12 of the students wore jeans. Which statement
correctly compares the fractions?
A. 1/4 = 3/12
B. 1/4 > 3/12
C. 3/12 < 1/4
D. 1/4 < 3/12
​

Answer 1

A.
`(1)/(4) =(3)/(12)`

Explanation:

This is a case of equivalent fractions which means that the fractions represent the same amount.

Why are they the same? Because when you multiply or divide the same number up and down simultaneously, the fraction maintains its value. The rule to remember is:

What you do to the top of the fraction

you also have to do it to the bottom part!

Therefore, these fractions are actually the same:

`(1)/(4) x(3)/(3)=(3)/(12)`

Answer 2

A.
`(1)/(4)` =
`(3)/(12)`

Explanation:

`(1)/(4)` of the students wore shorts.

`(3)/(12)` of the students wore jeans.

Converting the fractions of the students who wore shorts and jeans respectively;

`(1)/(4)` = 0.25

`(3)/(12)` = 0.25

This means that the ratio of students who wore shorts is the same as that of students who wore jeans.

i.e
`(1)/(4)` =
`(3)/(12)`