In our own galaxy,

[Freeguy]

In our own galaxy, the Milky Way, there are perhaps 200 billion stars, ......... probably have planets on which life is feasible.

1. a small fraction in which
2. a small fraction of which
3. a small fraction which
4. which a fraction of

I don't know why No.2 is correct. Would you please tell me that what's the reference of "of' in "of which" in this test?

 

[MikeNewYork]

In our own galaxy, the Milky Way, there are perhaps 200 billion stars, ......... probably have planets on which life is feasible.

1. a small fraction in which
2. a small fraction of which
3. a small fraction which
4. which a fraction of

I don't know why No.2 is correct. Would you please tell me that what's the reference of "of' in "of which" in this test?

The "which" in "of which" refers to "fraction". #2 is the only possible answer.

 

[JMurray]

not a teacher

As Mike says, #2 is the correct answer.

I think the relative pronoun "which" refers to the 200 billion stars.

In "a small fraction of which", the preposition "of" expresses the relationship between a part and the whole.
e.g. "some of that", "a piece of cake"… etc.

 

[MikeNewYork]

not a teacher

As Mike says, #2 is the correct answer.

I think the relative pronoun "which" refers to the 200 billion stars.

In "a small fraction of which", the preposition "of" expresses the relationship between a part and the whole.
e.g. "some of that", "a piece of cake"… etc.

Yes, I miswrote.

 

[Freeguy]

Sth like "all of which" or "all of whom" for example. Right?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Sth like "all of which" or "all of whom" for example. Right?

Yes.