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Data handling: tables and graphs

Filling in and reading tally marks and frequency tables. Collecting, organising and showing data in bar graphs and pictographs. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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Tally marks and frequency tables

A frequency table has three columns: the item, the tally marks and the total (the frequency: how many times it occurs).

Favourite fruitTally marksTotal
apple|||| |||8
banana||||5
pear|||3
altogether16
  • Group tally marks in fives: four strokes and the fifth across them. Then count in 5s: 5 + 3 = 8.
  • Add all the totals to check that you counted everyone: 8 + 5 + 3 = 16 learners.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Reading a table

  • How many more chose apple than pear? 8 − 3 = 5.
  • Which fruit is the most popular? The one with the biggest total: apple.
  • A table helps you to organise the data before you draw a graph.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

The data cycle

  1. Ask a question.
  2. Collect data (questionnaire, tally marks).
  3. Organise it in a table.
  4. Represent it in a graph.
  5. Read and discuss the results.
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Graphs

0246810AppleBananaPearGrape
The tallest bar is the most popular
  • Bar graph: bars of equal width with gaps; read the height on the scale.
  • Pictograph: pictures; the key says what one picture is worth.

Read the graph: find the top of the bar and read across to the scale. Banana = 9 and Pear = 3, so 9 − 3 = 6 more learners chose banana. Altogether: 6 + 9 + 3 + 5 = 23 learners.

Meerkat tip

Give every graph a title and label both axes.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • Frequency table: item, tally marks, total.
  • Ask, collect, organise, represent, read.
  • Tally marks in fives: the fifth stroke goes across.
  • Tally marks: four lines and the fifth across.
  • Add the totals to check.
  • Bar graph: read the height on the scale.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Four in a row, the fifth across: count in fives.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say the answer yourself, then turn the card over.

Now the real quiz!

The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.

Take the quiz: Data handling: tables and graphs
Practise it step by step: Extra Maths ClassAll Grade 4 Maths summaries
For parents
  • Let your child work the examples on paper and explain them to you.
  • The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.

Follows CAPS for Grade 4 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

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