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Summaries · Grade 5 Maths › Data handling and the mean
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Data handling and the mean

Collecting, organising and showing data in bar graphs, pictographs and pie charts. Summarising data with the mode, median and mean. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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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.
  • Pie chart: slices of a circle; the whole circle is the whole group. Half the circle = half of the group; a quarter of the circle = a quarter of the group.

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.

Conclusions and predictions

  • Order the data from the smallest to the biggest group.
  • The mode is the value that occurs most often.
  • Write a short conclusion: “Most learners come to school by bus.” Then make a prediction: “Next year the school will need more buses.”
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Summarising data

MeasureHow?Data: 3, 5, 5, 7, 10
modethe value that occurs most often5
medianthe middle value after sorting5
meantotal ÷ number of values30 ÷ 5 = 6
Meerkat tip

Always sort from smallest to largest before finding the median. With an even number of values, the median is the mean of the two middle ones.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • Ask, collect, organise, represent, read.
  • Mode = the most.
  • Tally marks: four lines and the fifth across.
  • Median = the middle after sorting.
  • Bar graph: read the height on the scale.
  • Mean = total ÷ count.

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

Memory trick

Ask, Collect, Organise, Show, Discuss: the data cycle.

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 and the mean
Practise it step by step: Extra Maths ClassAll Grade 5 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 5 Mathematics. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

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