1. **Problem statement:** Find the percentage of the 7 by 7 grid that is shaded. 2. **Total squares:** The grid has $7 \times 7 = 49$ squares. 3. **Calculate shaded area in the 3 by 3 block:** - There are 9 squares in this block. - All are fully shaded except one square which is half shaded. - Fully shaded squares: 8 squares. - Half shaded square: $\frac{1}{2}$ square. - Total shaded in this block: $8 + \frac{1}{2} = 8.5$ squares. 4. **Other shaded parts:** - Fourth row, fifth column: half square shaded (top-left triangle) = $\frac{1}{2}$ square. - Fifth row, fifth column: half square shaded (bottom-right triangle) = $\frac{1}{2}$ square. - Bottom right corner square: two triangles shaded forming a right angle shape, which is half the square = $\frac{1}{2}$ square. 5. **Sum of shaded squares outside the 3x3 block:** $\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{3}{2} = 1.5$ squares. 6. **Total shaded area:** $$8.5 + 1.5 = 10$$ squares. 7. **Calculate percentage shaded:** $$\frac{10}{49} \times 100 = \frac{1000}{49} \approx 20.41\%$$ **Final answer:** Approximately **20.41%** of the shape is shaded.