Question

each of the two squares below represents a unit or a whole. what fraction is represented by the shaded area in each?

Explanation:

Step1: Count total parts (first square)

The first square is split into 7 equal vertical parts, so total parts = 7.

Step2: Count shaded parts (first square)

1 part is shaded. Fraction = $\frac{\text{shaded}}{\text{total}} = \frac{1}{7}$

Step3: Count total parts (second square)

The second square is a $5 \times 7$ grid, so total parts = $5 \times 7 = 35$.

Step4: Count shaded parts (second square)

Count shaded cells: top 3 columns × 3 rows = 9, bottom 4 columns × 2 rows = 8. Total shaded = $9 + 8 = 17$. Fraction = $\frac{17}{35}$

Answer:

First square: $\frac{1}{7}$
Second square: $\frac{17}{35}$