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Fractions · Grade 3

Writing Fractions From Shaded Shapes Worksheets

Start with one whole strip. Count all its equal parts, then count the shaded parts to write a fraction.

6 problemsAnswer key includedFree printableA4 & US Letter
Generate & printSee the worked example

Count equal parts of one whole

A strip is divided into six equal parts. Two are shaded. The fraction is 2/6: six tells how many equal parts make the whole strip, and two tells how many are shaded.

2 shaded / 6 equal parts = 2/6

The unshaded pieces belong to the whole too

Point to every part, shaded and unshaded, to count the denominator. Then count only the shaded parts for the numerator. Two shaded parts and four unshaded parts make six parts altogether; 2/4 would compare shaded pieces with unshaded pieces instead of naming the shaded portion of the whole.

Why equal sizes matter

The denominator counts equal-sized parts. Drawing six unequal pieces does not make every piece one sixth. Fold a paper strip in half, then divide each half into three equal parts to make six equal pieces.

If the child writes 6/2: ask them to finish two sentences: “There are six equal parts in the whole” and “Two of them are shaded.” Put the shaded count above the fraction bar.

A different name can have the same value

Two sixths is also one third. For this activity, write the fraction that records the equal parts shown, so the example answer key gives 2/6. If the child writes 1/3, recognize that it has the same value and ask them to explain how the picture shows six pieces.

What these questions cover

Each set has six original strip pictures. The wholes have 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 equal parts, with at least one shaded part and at least one unshaded part. The answer key names the pieces shown without simplifying. These are part-of-a-whole models, not number-line questions or a complete fraction assessment.

Make a practice set

Choose what to print. Selecting both shows the answer key on screen and prints the questions followed by the answers.

Print materials

After the practice

Ask the child to explain both numbers in one answer. Then shade a different number of parts on an equal-part strip and describe what changes and what stays the same.

More about fractions · Grade 3 worksheets

Grade 3 selected skill connection: 3.NF.A.1. See the Common Core grade guidance. This worksheet does not cover every requirement in the standard.