Mathematics
Grade 5
15 min
Create pictographs (Tutorial Only)
Create pictographs (Tutorial Only)
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the essential components of a pictograph (title, categories, symbols, key).
Choose an appropriate symbol and key to represent a given data set.
Calculate the correct number of full and partial symbols needed for each data category.
Accurately draw and arrange symbols to represent data in a pictograph.
Construct a complete and clearly labeled pictograph from raw data.
Explain the purpose and importance of each part of a pictograph.
Interpret data presented in a pictograph they have created.
Ever wonder how to show a lot of information in a fun, visual way? 📊 Let's turn numbers into pictures!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to create your own pictographs, which are charts that use pictures or symbols to represent data. This skill hel...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
PictographA type of graph that uses pictures or symbols to represent data. Each symbol stands for a certain quantity.A pictograph showing favorite fruits might use an apple symbol to represent 5 students.
DataFacts, numbers, or information collected for analysis or reference.The number of students who prefer apples (15), bananas (10), and oranges (20) is data.
SymbolA picture or icon used in a pictograph to represent a specific quantity of data.In a pictograph about pets, a paw print 🐾 could be the symbol representing 2 pets.
Key (or Legend)A crucial part of a pictograph that explains what each symbol represents. It tells you the value of one symbol.Key: 🍎 = 5 students. This means every apple picture counts as 5 students.
TitleA descriptive heading for the pictogra...
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Core Formulas
Determining Symbol Count
$ ext{Number of Symbols} = \frac{ ext{Data Value}}{ ext{Value per Symbol}}$
To find out how many symbols to draw for each category, divide the total data value for that category by the value that each single symbol represents (as stated in your key). You might need to draw half symbols if the division results in a decimal like 0.5.
Choosing an Appropriate Key
$ ext{Value per Symbol} = ext{A factor of most data values (or a number that allows for easy representation)}$
Select a value for your symbol that makes it easy to represent all your data values without too many symbols (making the graph cluttered) or too few (making it hard to see differences). It's often helpful if the key's value is a common factor of your data numbers, allowing fo...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
You are given the data: Red - 12, Blue - 18, Green - 15. Which key value would be the MOST effective for creating a pictograph that minimizes the use of partial symbols?
A.key of 2
B.key of 5
C.key of 4
D.key of 3
Challenging
A student argues, 'If I'm counting apples, I can just use an 🍎 symbol and not include a key, because one symbol obviously means one apple.' Why is this reasoning flawed according to the principles in the tutorial?
A.Because the symbol might be too hard to draw.
B.Because a pictograph must use a key to define the quantity, as one symbol could represent 1, 5, 10, or any other number of apples.
C.Because the title is more important than the key.
D.Because you are not allowed to use symbols that look like the object being counted.
Challenging
Two pictographs display the same data for 'Trees Planted': Oak - 40, Maple - 20, Pine - 30. Graph A uses a key of '🌳 = 10 trees'. Graph B uses a key of '🌳 = 5 trees'. What will be the primary visual difference between the two graphs?
A.Graph A will have categories in a different order.
B.Graph B will have twice as many symbols in each row as Graph A.
C.Graph A will be more accurate than Graph B.
D.Graph B will have half as many symbols in each row as Graph A.
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