Skill: Represent fractions with area models

Start with the denominator. It tells how many equal-area parts the whole must have.

Then use the numerator. It tells how many of those parts to select or shade.

Example: Represent $\frac{3}{4}$ with an area model

1. Draw one rectangle to represent the whole.

2. The denominator is $4$, so divide the rectangle into 4 equal-area parts.

$$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline & & & \\ \hline \end{array}$$

3. The numerator is $3$, so shade 3 of the 4 parts.

$$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline \blacksquare & \blacksquare & \blacksquare & \square \\ \hline \end{array}$$

The model shows $\frac{3}{4}$ because:

• There are $4$ equal parts in the whole.
• $3$ parts are shaded.

The parts must be equal in area. If one part were larger or smaller than the others, the model would not correctly represent fourths.