Convert Grid Representation to Fraction: Interpreting Shaded Squares

Q: How do I count the squares in the grid?

Look at the entire grid and count all squares (both shaded and unshaded) for the denominator. Then count only the shaded squares for the numerator.

Q: Why isn't 6/12 the correct answer?

While $ \frac{6}{12} $ represents what you see, fractions should always be written in simplest form. Since 6 and 12 both divide by 6, the answer is $ \frac{1}{2} $.

Q: How do I know what number to divide by?

Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. For 6 and 12, the GCF is 6, so divide both by 6.

Q: What if the grid shows a different pattern?

The process stays the same! Always count total squares for the denominator and shaded squares for the numerator, then simplify the resulting fraction.

Q: Can I check my answer without counting again?

Yes! If your answer is $ \frac{1}{2} $, exactly half the grid should be shaded. Visual estimation is a great way to verify your work.

Visual Fractions with Grid Simplification

Write the fraction shown in the drawing, in numbers:

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Convert sketch to simple fraction

00:03 To convert to fraction, red will be numerator and black will be denominator

00:10 We can see that the whole is divided into 12 parts

00:13 Therefore in the denominator we'll put 12

00:18 Out of all parts, only 6 are colored

00:25 Therefore we'll put 6 in the numerator

00:28 We'll reduce the fraction as much as possible

00:33 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator

00:39 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Write the fraction shown in the drawing, in numbers:

Step-by-step solution

The number of parts in the circle represents the denominator of the fraction, and the number of colored parts represents the numerator.

The circle is divided into 12 parts, 6 parts are colored.

$\frac{6}{12}=\frac{1}{2}$

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{2}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Grid Reading: Count total squares for denominator, shaded for numerator
Simplification: Reduce $\frac{6}{12}$ by dividing both by 6
Check: Verify half the grid is shaded: 6 out of 12 squares ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Writing the fraction without simplifying
Don't write $\frac{6}{12}$ as your final answer = missing the simplest form! Teachers expect fractions in lowest terms. Always divide both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor to get $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Write the fraction shown in the picture, in words:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I count the squares in the grid?

Look at the entire grid and count all squares (both shaded and unshaded) for the denominator. Then count only the shaded squares for the numerator.

Why isn't 6/12 the correct answer?

While $\frac{6}{12}$ represents what you see, fractions should always be written in simplest form. Since 6 and 12 both divide by 6, the answer is $\frac{1}{2}$ .

How do I know what number to divide by?

Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator. For 6 and 12, the GCF is 6, so divide both by 6.

What if the grid shows a different pattern?

The process stays the same! Always count total squares for the denominator and shaded squares for the numerator, then simplify the resulting fraction.

Can I check my answer without counting again?

Yes! If your answer is $\frac{1}{2}$ , exactly half the grid should be shaded. Visual estimation is a great way to verify your work.

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