The diagram below is divided into equal parts. Which ratio correctly compares the number of shaded sections to the total number of sections?

A diagram is divided into 4 shaded parts and 4 white parts.
One-half
4 to 4
2:1
StartFraction 8 Over 4 EndFraction

1 answer

To find the correct ratio comparing the number of shaded sections to the total number of sections, let's break down the information given:

  1. The diagram has 4 shaded parts.
  2. There are also 4 white parts.

To find the total number of sections, we add the shaded parts and white parts together:

Total sections = shaded parts + white parts = 4 + 4 = 8

Now, we can compare the number of shaded sections to the total number of sections:

Shaded sections : Total sections = 4 : 8

This can be simplified:

4 : 8 = 1 : 2

Thus, none of the provided options directly state this simplified ratio, but we can check the options:

  • "One-half" refers to the ratio \( \frac{1}{2} \) (this would correspond to 1 shaded part for every 2 total parts).
  • "4 to 4" compares shaded parts (4) to shaded parts (4), which is not our desired comparison.
  • "2:1" aren't correct either because that suggests there are 2 shaded parts for every 1 total.
  • "StartFraction 8 Over 4 EndFraction" evaluates to 2, which is not what we need.

Thus, the most precise ratio comparing the number of shaded sections to the total number of sections is:

One-half (1/2).