Compare the following pair of rational numbers:

$\dfrac{-5}{12} \text{ and } \dfrac{-3}{4}$

Write both the rational numbers with the LCM of their denominators as the common denominator and compare the numerators.

L.C.M. of 12 and 4 = 12

$\Rightarrow \dfrac{-5}{12} = \dfrac{-5}{12} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \dfrac{-3}{4} = \dfrac{(-3) \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \dfrac{-9}{12}$

As -9 < -5, so $\dfrac{-9}{12} \lt \dfrac{-5}{12}$.

Hence, $\mathbf{\dfrac{-5}{12} \gt \dfrac{-3}{4}}$.