To compare the fractions 1/3 and 5/6, you can find a common denominator. The common denominator of 3 and 6 is 6. To convert 1/3 into an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 6, you can multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2: 1/3 = (1 * 2) / (3 * 2) = 2/6. Now, you can compare 2/6 and 5/6. Since the denominators are the same, you can simply compare the numerators: 2/6 < 5/6. Therefore, 1/3 is less than 5/6.