Graphs, tables, and charts display data so that it can be organized and easily understood.

The following data is displayed in a table, and then in different types of graphs. Choose the best graph to use.

The students in Mrs. Carroll's class participated in a read-a-thon for one month. The table shows the number of books students read during the
read-a-thon.
Kinds of Books Read
Books Number
Mystery 25
Animal 20
Biography 10
Adventure 30

The data was organized in a table  making it easier to read and interpret. The data from the table can be used to create the following bar graph, line graph, pictograph, and circle graph.

 

A bar graph is a graph that uses bars to show data.

 

A pictograph uses pictures or symbols to represent different numbers of the same item. The key tells how many each symbol stands for.

Kinds of Books Read
Books Number
Mystery
Animal
Biography
Adventure
Key: Each = 10 books read
          Each        =    5 books read

 

A circle graph uses sections of a circle to compare the parts of a whole group.

 

 

A line graph is a graph that connects points to show how data changes over time. So, this is not an appropriate graph to use to display the number of books read.

 

Let's Practice!
click here

Remember: More than one kind of graph may be appropriate for showing the same data.
 

 
Topic Index| Grade 4 Math | Elementary Test Prep | StudyZone

Created by Carol A. Carroll
Updated by Nicole Freebern
Copyright © 2001-06 Oswego City School District