Primary 1 maths · Data & graphs · About 8 minutes
Read and interpret picture graphs with one object per symbol
Read the key, then count the symbols and multiply.
Start the interactive lesson →Open practice activity
What you will learn
- Read and interpret picture graphs with one object per symbol
Models used: number sentences, stories, diagrams.
Read the key, then count
Our class voted for fruit. The key tells us that one picture stands for one vote.
Our class voted for fruit. The key tells us that one picture stands for one vote.
A picture graph replaces a list of votes with pictures. The key tells us what each picture means.
Apples●●●Pears●●Each ● = 1 Key: one picture = one vote. Follow the apple row. Count each picture once: one, two, three. Apples received three votes.
3 pictures = 3 votes
We read the fruit label first so we count the correct row.
Apples●●●Pears●●Each ● = 1 Apples: 3 pictures, so 3 votes. Both bars use the same scale. Compare their lengths and read the names beside them.
Pears received two votes. Match two apple pictures with the two pear pictures. One apple picture is left over.
3 − 2 = 1 more vote
The unmatched part shows how many more. It is the difference between the two totals.
How many children voted altogether?
Join the three apple votes and the two pear votes: 3 + 2 = 5 children.
What did the picture help us see?
Pears received two votes. Match two apple pictures with the two pear pictures. One apple picture is left over.
Worked example: A new example, together
What is the difference between the greatest and least counts?
Read the key, then count the symbols and multiply.
Labels and scales determine the numerical value represented by each category.
Apples●●●●●●Pears●●●●●●Mangoes●●Oranges●●●Each ● = 1 Read the scale before the values. Each symbol represents 1.
Apples●●●●●●Pears●●●●●●Mangoes●●Oranges●●●Each ● = 1 Read the scale before the values. What is the difference between the greatest and least counts?
4
Each symbol represents 1.
Apples●●●●●●Pears●●●●●●Mangoes●●Oranges●●●Each ● = 1 Read the scale before the values. Subtract the smaller requested value from the larger.
Apples●●●●●●Pears●●●●●●Mangoes●●Oranges●●●Each ● = 1 Read the scale before the values. The answer is 4.
Apples●●●●●●Pears●●●●●●Mangoes●●Oranges●●●Each ● = 1 Read the scale before the values. Check the result against the question we started with.
Adding the size of the change to the smaller count gives the larger count.
We found 4. Labels and scales determine the numerical value represented by each category.
Apples●●●●●●Pears●●●●●●Mangoes●●Oranges●●●Each ● = 1 Read the scale before the values.
Common mistakes to discuss
- Counting pictures instead of reading the key. Each symbol stands for the number the key states. Five symbols worth two each show ten.
Check your understanding
- Read and interpret picture graphs with one object per symbol
- read a picture graph using its key
- check the answer against the original quantities and units
Explain your reasoning to an adult, then try a fresh question in the interactive lesson. A result from one attempt is not proof of lasting mastery.
Try this lesson →