Mathematics
Grade 3
15 min
Choose the best type of graph
Choose the best type of graph
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify when a pictograph is a good choice to show the results of sharing equally.
Identify when a bar graph is the best choice to compare the results of different division problems.
Identify when a line plot is the best choice to show how often a specific division answer appears.
Explain why one type of graph is better than another for a given division story problem.
Choose the most appropriate graph (pictograph, bar graph, or line plot) to represent data from a division scenario.
Read and interpret data from a graph that shows the results of division.
If you shared your toys with friends, what's the best way to show who has the most? 🧸 Let's learn how graphs can help us see the answers!
In this lesson, we will explore three types of graphs:...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DivisionSplitting a whole number into equal groups. It helps us share things fairly.12 crayons shared among 4 friends is 12 ÷ 4 = 3. Each friend gets 3 crayons.
PictographA graph that uses pictures or symbols to show and compare data.Using a 🍎 symbol to show the number of apples each student picked. If each student picked 4 apples, you would draw 4 apple symbols next to their name.
Bar GraphA graph that uses solid bars to compare amounts. The taller the bar, the bigger the number.A graph with a bar for each friend showing how many toys they have. A taller bar means more toys.
Line PlotA graph that shows how often a number appears in a set of data. It uses an 'X' or a dot over a number line.After solving five division problems, the answers were 2, 3, 3, 4,...
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Core Formulas
Rule for Pictographs
Use when: You want to show data with fun pictures and the numbers are simple.
Choose a pictograph to visually represent the items in each group after division. It's great for counting and when you want your graph to be colorful and engaging.
Rule for Bar Graphs
Use when: You need to compare the results of different division problems.
Choose a bar graph to easily see which group has more or less. It is the best for comparing amounts because you can quickly see which bar is the tallest or shortest.
Rule for Line Plots
Use when: You want to see how many times a specific answer (quotient) appears.
Choose a line plot when the main question is about frequency, like 'How many groups ended up with 3 items?'. It organizes answers on a numbe...
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Challenging
45 students are going on a trip in vans that can each hold 10 students. The school needs a graph to show the van company how many vans they must send. What is the best graph to show this?
A.bar graph with one bar showing the number 5
B.pie chart showing 4 full vans and 1 half-full van
C.line plot with an X over the number 4 and an X over the number 5
D.bar graph showing 4 vans and 5 leftover students
Challenging
Leo divided 28 game cards equally among his friends and then made a graph to show the result. His graph has 4 bars, and each bar is at the height of 7. What does this graph show?
A.He divided the cards among 7 friends, and each got 4 cards.
B.He had 4 friends and 7 cards left over.
C.He divided the cards among 4 friends, and each got 7 cards.
D.He made a pictograph with 4 symbols, where each symbol means 7 cards.
Challenging
A factory needs to graph the 200 toy cars it packed. The cars were divided into 20 boxes. What is the MOST EFFICIENT way to show the number of boxes packed?
A.pictograph where 1 symbol = 1 box
B.bar graph with one bar going up to 20
C.tally chart with 20 marks
D.pictograph where 1 symbol = 5 boxes
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