Find a total
A table can help you add two values together.
| Fruit | Votes |
|---|---|
| Apple | 6 |
| Pear | 4 |
| Banana | 5 |
Read the two values you need and then add them.
Year 4
Solve comparison, sum and difference problems using information presented in bar charts, pictograms, tables and other graphs
Answer comparison, total and difference questions by reading data displays carefully.
Lesson overview
Statistics
Some data questions ask for the largest or smallest value. Others ask for totals or differences. Read the labels first, use the key if there is one, and then decide which calculation is needed.
Find a difference
A bar chart can help you compare two categories.
Subtract the smaller value from the larger one.
Use the pictogram key
In a pictogram, each symbol may stand for more than one.
Key: each symbol = 2 children
Count the symbols and then use the key.
Worked example
The pictogram shows 4 symbols for chess and each symbol stands for 2 children. How many children chose chess?
Key: each symbol = 2 children
- Count the number of symbols for chess.
- There are 4 symbols.
- Each symbol stands for 2 children, so calculate 4 x 2.
- 4 x 2 = 8, so 8 children chose chess.
Round 1: Learn it
Read the labels, use the key where needed, and choose the correct calculation.
Finish this round to unlock Round 2: Show you know it.
Question 1
How many votes do Apple and Pear have altogether?
| Fruit | Votes |
|---|---|
| Apple | 6 |
| Pear | 4 |
| Banana | 5 |
Question 2
What is the difference between Red and Blue on the bar chart?
Question 3
How many children chose dance in the pictogram?
Key: each symbol = 2 children
Question 4
How many children chose football in the pictogram?
Key: each symbol = 2 children
Question 5
Which reminder is correct?
Common mistakes
Watch for these as you work through the lesson.
- Ignoring the pictogram key.
- Adding when the question asks for a difference.
- Choosing the correct category but the wrong value.
Related topics
These ideas connect closely to this lesson.
- Interpret and present discrete and continuous data using appropriate graphical methods, including bar charts and time graphs.
- Add and subtract numbers with up to 4 digits using the formal written methods of columnar addition and subtraction where appropriate.