Answer:
Austin is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about the comparison of the fractions. We have given that:
[tex]\frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{2}[/tex]
And Austin thinks that
[tex]\frac{3}{12} < \frac{1}{2}[/tex]
We don't need any calculation for the solution. By a simple reduction, we find that:
[tex]\frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4}[/tex]
And we come to the same conclusion that:
[tex]\frac{1}{4} < \frac{1}{2}[/tex]
Austin's reasoning is correct.