Convert Grid Shading to Fraction: Reading Visual Fraction Representation

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

Count all squares in the grid for the denominator, then count only the shaded squares for the numerator. In this problem: 12 total squares, 4 shaded squares.

Q: Why do I need to simplify the fraction?

Simplifying gives you the simplest form of the fraction. $ \frac{4}{12} $ and $ \frac{1}{3} $ represent the same amount, but $ \frac{1}{3} $ is easier to work with!

Q: What if the shaded parts aren't connected?

It doesn't matter! Whether the shaded squares are connected or scattered, just count the total number of shaded parts. The position doesn't change the fraction value.

Q: What if my grid has different colored sections?

Only count the sections that match the specific color mentioned in the question. If it asks for red sections, ignore blue or other colored parts completely.

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, what's red will be in numerator and black in denominator

00:07 We can see that the whole is divided into 12 parts

00:11 Therefore we'll put 12 in denominator

00:15 Out of all parts, only 4 are colored

00:18 Therefore we'll put 4 in numerator

00:22 Reduce the fraction as much as possible

00:26 Make sure to divide both numerator and denominator

00:31 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 shape represents the denominator of the fraction, and the number of colored parts represents the numerator.

The shape is divided into 12 parts, 4 parts are colored.

$\frac{4}{12}=\frac{1}{3}$

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{3}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Count shaded parts over total parts to form fraction
Technique: Simplify $\frac{4}{12}$ by dividing both by GCD of 4
Check: Verify $\frac{1}{3} \times 12 = 4$ shaded squares ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Not simplifying the fraction to lowest terms
Don't leave your answer as $\frac{4}{12}$ = incorrect final form! Teachers expect simplified fractions, and $\frac{4}{12}$ isn't in lowest terms. Always divide numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor to get $\frac{1}{3}$ .

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Write the fraction shown in the diagram as a number:

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I count the parts in the grid?

Count all squares in the grid for the denominator, then count only the shaded squares for the numerator. In this problem: 12 total squares, 4 shaded squares.

Why do I need to simplify the fraction?

Simplifying gives you the simplest form of the fraction. $\frac{4}{12}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ represent the same amount, but $\frac{1}{3}$ is easier to work with!

What if the shaded parts aren't connected?

It doesn't matter! Whether the shaded squares are connected or scattered, just count the total number of shaded parts. The position doesn't change the fraction value.

How do I find the greatest common divisor?

List the factors of both numbers and find the largest one they share. For 4 and 12: factors of 4 are 1,2,4 and factors of 12 are 1,2,3,4,6,12. The GCD is 4.

What if my grid has different colored sections?

Only count the sections that match the specific color mentioned in the question. If it asks for red sections, ignore blue or other colored parts completely.

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