Concept 4 of 6
Name the Fraction
Today's big idea
A fraction is shaded parts over the equal parts in all.
3 shaded out of 4 parts is 3/4.
How it works
👀 What's going on?
How many parts are shaded, out of how many parts in all?
💡 Here's the trick
A fraction has a top number for the shaded parts and a bottom number for the equal parts in all. 3 shaded out of 4 is written 3/4.
1 shaded part out of 4 is 1/4. 3 shaded out of 4 is 3/4.
✍️ Try it
2 of 3 equal parts are shaded. What fraction is that? → 2/3.
⚠️ Watch out
The bottom number is the total equal parts, not just the empty ones.
Watch me solve one
Quanta solves it
“Watch how I think through one of these — then you try.”
THE PROBLEM
“2 of 3 equal parts are shaded. What fraction is shaded?”
- 1
Top = shaded parts
2 parts are shaded.
- 2
Bottom = parts in all
3 equal parts in all.
- 3
Write the fraction
Shaded over total is 2/3.
- 4
Answer ✓
2/3
Now you try one — same steps, different story 👇
See it in action
⚡ Time to play!
Count the shaded parts and the parts in all. Tap the fraction.
1 shaded · 4 in all
Quick check
✅ VERIFICATION
3 of 4 equal parts are shaded. What fraction is shaded?
⚡ Finish the activity above first to answer.
Keep going!
Up next: Compare Fractions
1/2 is bigger than 1/4 of the same whole.