GRAPHS AND STATISTICS

Pictograms

Learn the reliable method for pictograms, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Data diagrams must be read using their title, labels, key and scale.

Picture itRead the scale before the bars
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Read the title, key and axis intervals first.
  2. Extract only the required values.
  3. Perform the requested comparison or calculation and retain the data unit.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

How many more action-film tickets than comedy-film tickets are represented in the pictogram?

ActionfilmsComedyfilmsKey: ★ = 30 tickets
  1. Action films represent 4 × 30 = 120 tickets.
  2. Comedy films represent 2 × 30 + 1/2 × 30 = 75.
  3. The difference is 120 − 75 = 45.
Answer: 45
Example 2

How many half-star symbols must be added to the comedy row so that it represents the same number of tickets as the action row?

ActionfilmsComedyfilmsKey: ★ = 50 tickets
  1. The rows differ by 350 − 125 = 225 tickets.
  2. Each half-star represents 25 tickets, so 225 ÷ 25 = 9 half-stars are needed.
Answer: 9
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Perform the requested comparison or calculation and retain the data unit.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.