Question

There are 12 poles in a row, which are spaced equally. If $\frac{3}{12}$ poles are painted, what fraction of poles is not painted?

• A. $\frac{2}{12}$
• B. $\frac{9}{12}$
• C. $\frac{8}{12}$
• D. $\frac{10}{12}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\frac{9}{12}$

Let us find the fraction of poles that are not painted.
- Let us divide one whole into 12 equal parts.
- Each part indicates 1 pole.
- The fraction $\frac{3}{12}$ shows that 3 poles are painted.
- Total poles = 12
- Number of painted poles = 3
- Number of poles that are not painted = Total poles - Painted poles
= 12 - 3
= 9
- 9 poles are not painted.
- So, $\frac{9}{12}$ poles are not painted.

Hence, the correct answer is option B.