Converting Circle Sectors to Fractions: Visual to Numerical Representation

Q: How do I know which number goes on top?

The colored (shaded) parts always go on top as the numerator. The total number of equal parts always goes on the bottom as the denominator.

Q: What if the circle isn't divided into equal parts?

The parts must be equal to write a proper fraction! If they're unequal, you can't use simple counting - each part represents a different amount.

Q: Should I simplify the fraction?

While $ \frac{2}{4} $ can simplify to $ \frac{1}{2} $, the question asks for the fraction shown in the drawing. Use exactly what you see: 2 out of 4 parts.

Q: Can the fraction be greater than 1?

Not in this type of problem! Since you're counting parts of one whole circle, the colored parts can never exceed the total parts. The fraction will always be between 0 and 1.

Circle Fractions with Sector Counting

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

00:03 Let's convert the sketch into a simple fraction.

00:08 To do this, place what's in red in the numerator, and black in the denominator.

00:13 Notice, the whole is divided into four parts.

00:18 So, we'll put four in the denominator.

00:22 Two of these parts are colored.

00:25 That means we'll place two in the numerator.

00:28 And that's how we solve the problem.

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 4 parts, 2 parts are colored.

Hence:

$\frac{2}{4}$

Final Answer

$\frac{2}{4}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Visual Rule: Count total parts for denominator, colored parts for numerator
Technique: Circle has 4 equal parts, 2 shaded = $\frac{2}{4}$
Check: Shaded parts (2) should be less than total parts (4) ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Confusing numerator and denominator positions
Don't put total parts on top and colored parts on bottom = inverted fraction! This reverses the meaning completely. Always put colored parts (what you have) as numerator and total parts (the whole) as denominator.

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 know which number goes on top?

The colored (shaded) parts always go on top as the numerator. The total number of equal parts always goes on the bottom as the denominator.

What if the circle isn't divided into equal parts?

The parts must be equal to write a proper fraction! If they're unequal, you can't use simple counting - each part represents a different amount.

Should I simplify the fraction?

While $\frac{2}{4}$ can simplify to $\frac{1}{2}$ , the question asks for the fraction shown in the drawing. Use exactly what you see: 2 out of 4 parts.

What if no parts are colored?

If no parts are shaded, the numerator is 0. For example, 0 out of 4 parts would be $\frac{0}{4} = 0$ .

Can the fraction be greater than 1?

Not in this type of problem! Since you're counting parts of one whole circle, the colored parts can never exceed the total parts. The fraction will always be between 0 and 1.

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