Final answer:
A fraction is considered rational if its decimal equivalent repeats. The fraction 1/2 is not a rational number because its decimal does not repeat, while 1/12 is a rational number because its decimal equivalent repeats.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a fraction is rational, we need to understand the decimal representation of the fraction. A rational number is a number that can be expressed as the quotient (or fraction) of two integers. If the decimal equivalent of a fraction repeats, it is considered rational. For example, 1/2 = 0.5, which does not repeat. Therefore, 1/2 is not a rational number. On the other hand, 1/12 = 0.0833..., and the decimal repeats. Hence, 1/12 is a rational number because the decimal equivalent repeats.