The idea
Data diagrams must be read using their title, labels, key and scale.
Follow these steps
- Read the title, key and axis intervals first.
- Extract only the required values.
- Perform the requested comparison or calculation and retain the data unit.
See the method in action
Example 1
Use the frequency table. How many pupils scored 2?
- In the row for score 2, the frequency is 2.
Example 2
Use the frequency table. What is the mean score to one decimal place?
- The weighted total is 1×2 + 2×5 + 3×4 + 4×1 = 28.
- The total frequency is 12, so the mean is 28 ÷ 12 = 2.33…, which rounds to 2.3.
A useful shortcut
Perform the requested comparison or calculation and retain the data unit.
Watch out for these
Three fresh questions
Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.