Identify Fractions From Shaded Models

1) Look at the whole model

A fraction describes how many equal parts are shaded out of the total number of equal parts. First, find the entire shape or set being used as one whole.

2) Count the equal parts

Count how many equal sections the whole is divided into. The denominator is this total number of parts.

3) Count the shaded parts

Count only the parts that are colored or shaded. The numerator is the number of shaded parts.

4) Write the fraction

Put the shaded count over the total count: shaded parts / total equal parts.

5) Check your answer

Make sure:

• all parts in the whole are equal in size,
• the numerator matches the shaded parts,
• the denominator matches all equal parts.

If the model shows 3 shaded parts out of 8 equal parts, the fraction is 3/8. If all parts are shaded, the fraction is 1 whole, which can also be written as a fraction with equal numerator and denominator.

Quick tip

Do not count unequal pieces or empty space. Only count equal sections in the model.