Construct and compare data displays
A clear starting point, worked steps and space to practise.
Start here
A column graph shows amounts using column heights. Equal steps on the scale must mean equal amounts.
Read the scale before reading the height. Four gaps does not always mean four students.
1 Work through these steps
- Read the title and category labels.
- Work out the amount for each scale interval.
- Read the column height.
- Compare counts or totals as asked.
2 Follow a worked example
A column graph’s vertical axis increases by 2 students per gap. A column reaches 4 gaps above zero. How many students does it show?
Reduce diagram
Scroll across the diagram if needed. Keyboard users can focus the diagram and use the arrow keys.
- Each gap represents 2 students.
- 4 × 2 = 8.
- The column shows 8 students.
3 Try it yourself
Show each step on paper or open Working out. Then check the answer.
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One column shows 14 votes and another shows 9. How many more votes are in the first?
Check answer 1
Answer: 5 votes
14 − 9 = 5.
Scratchpad · Not saved
Working out
Draw with a finger, pen or mouse, or type your working below.
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Check your understanding
Explain the worked example in your own words. Say why the method works, not just what the answer is.
Skills and explanation links
Key ideas taught here
- A column graph shows amounts using column heights. Equal steps on the scale must mean equal amounts.
- Read the scale before reading the height. Four gaps does not always mean four students.
Method and checking
Optional recap: related Maths skills
These earlier examples revisit background skills. Start with the topic example and practice above.
Useful vocabulary
- data
- Information collected to answer a question.
- category
- A group used to organise data.
- mean
- A fair-share average.
- median
- The middle value when data is ordered.
Rules for these related skills
Check title, labels, key and scale first.
Use subtraction for 'how many more' questions.
Mean, median, mode and range each describe data in a different way.
Find the mode of 2, 3, 3, 5, 6.
- The mode is the value that appears most often.
- 3 appears twice.
- Mode = 3.
Find the median of 4, 9, 2, 7, 8.
- Order the data: 2, 4, 7, 8, 9.
- The middle value is 7.
- Median = 7.
Find the mean of 6, 8, 10, 12.
- Add values: 6 + 8 + 10 + 12 = 36.
- There are 4 values.
- 36 / 4 = 9. Mean = 9.
A graph shows 12 students chose soccer and 8 chose netball. How many more chose soccer?
- Compare the two categories.
- 12 - 8 = 4.
- 4 more students chose soccer.
More visual models and everyday examples
Each everyday example has its own information and model. Use its stated values rather than copying values from another question.
Concept example. The story examples below have their own diagrams.
Read the scale before comparing bars.
For parents and teachers
- Ask your child to explain the method aloud before writing the answer.
- Use a real-life context at home, such as shopping, cooking, sport scores, maps or timetables.
- Praise clear working and checking, not only speed.
- Ask your child to write the formula or rule first, then substitute values carefully.
Practise choosing a method from the information in the question. The examples here are Pi Leo Academy learning activities. Official NAPLAN testing takes place in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9; a topic appearing in these notes does not mean it is tested in NAPLAN.
These notes provide guided examples and practice; they do not certify completion of every curriculum requirement.