Compare Fractions: Determine the Correct Symbol Between 1/3 and 4/12

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

• Step 1: Simplify the fraction $\frac{4}{12}$.
• Step 2: Compare the simplified fraction with $\frac{1}{3}$.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Simplifying $\frac{4}{12}$:
The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 4 and 12 is 4. Simplifying the fraction by dividing both numerator and denominator by their GCD, we get:

$\frac{4}{12} = \frac{4 \div 4}{12 \div 4} = \frac{1}{3}$

Step 2: Compare the simplified fraction with $\frac{1}{3}$:
Both fractions are equal since $\frac{4}{12} = \frac{1}{3}$.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $=$.