Compare the following fractions using cross products.
`5/(8)and7/(12)`

Answer

To compare the fractions \( \frac{5}{8} \) and \( \frac{7}{12} \) using cross products, follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Fractions**:
We have two fractions to compare: \( \frac{5}{8} \) and \( \frac{7}{12} \).

2. **Cross Multiply**:
To compare the fractions, we will cross multiply. This means we will multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction, and vice versa.

- Multiply \( 5 \) (numerator of the first fraction) by \( 12 \) (denominator of the second fraction):
\[ 5 \times 12 = 60 \]

- Multiply \( 7 \) (numerator of the second fraction) by \( 8 \) (denominator of the first fraction):
\[ 7 \times 8 = 56 \]

3. **Compare the Results**:
Now we compare the two products obtained from the cross multiplication:
- The first product is \( 60 \).
- The second product is \( 56 \).

Since \( 60 > 56 \), we can conclude that:
\[ \frac{5}{8} > \frac{7}{12} \]

4. **Final Conclusion**:
Therefore, the fraction \( \frac{5}{8} \) is greater than \( \frac{7}{12} \).