Converting Grid Shading to Fraction: Visual Math Exercise

Q: How do I know what to count as the denominator?

The denominator is always the total number of equal parts in the entire shape. Count every single square in the grid, whether shaded or not!

Q: What if the fraction I get isn't one of the answer choices?

You probably need to simplify your fraction! Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by that number.

Q: Why do I need to simplify 3/12?

Simplifying gives you the simplest form of the fraction. Since 3 and 12 both divide by 3, $ \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4} $ is much easier to work with!

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

It doesn't matter! Whether the shaded parts are connected or scattered, just count the total number of shaded squares for your numerator.

Fraction Representation with Grid Visualization

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

00:04 Let's convert the picture into a simple fraction.

00:08 To change it into a fraction, the red parts go on top, the numerator. And the black parts go on the bottom, the denominator.

00:16 We can see that the whole shape is divided into twelve equal parts.

00:21 So, we'll put twelve as the denominator.

00:24 Out of all these parts, only three are colored in red.

00:28 So, we'll place three as the numerator.

00:31 Now, let's simplify the fraction as much as we can.

00:35 Remember to divide both the numerator and the denominator by the same number.

00:40 And that's how we solve this 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 shape represents the denominator of the fraction, and the number of colored parts represents the numerator.

The shape is divided into 12 parts, 3 parts are colored.

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

Final Answer

$\frac{1}{4}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Structure: Count total parts for denominator, shaded parts for numerator
Technique: From grid: 3 shaded out of 12 total = $\frac{3}{12}$
Check: Simplify by dividing by GCD: $\frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4}$ ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Counting rows or columns instead of individual squares
Don't count 4 rows and say the fraction is $\frac{3}{4}$ = wrong answer! This ignores that each row has 3 squares, giving you the wrong total. Always count each individual square in the entire grid.

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 what to count as the denominator?

The denominator is always the total number of equal parts in the entire shape. Count every single square in the grid, whether shaded or not!

What if the fraction I get isn't one of the answer choices?

You probably need to simplify your fraction! Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by that number.

Why do I need to simplify 3/12?

Simplifying gives you the simplest form of the fraction. Since 3 and 12 both divide by 3, $\frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4}$ is much easier to work with!

Can I count the unshaded parts instead?

You could, but it's more confusing! If 9 parts are unshaded out of 12, that gives you $\frac{9}{12}$ for the unshaded portion, not what the question asks for.

What if the shaded parts aren't connected?

It doesn't matter! Whether the shaded parts are connected or scattered, just count the total number of shaded squares for your numerator.

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