Tables, Column and Line Graphs

In short: A table lists the numbers, and a graph draws them so you can compare at a glance. Always read the title, the labels and the scale first. Column graphs compare groups, and line graphs show how something changes over time, such as the temperature during a day.

Before you start

• Adding, subtracting and finding an average (see Averages).
• Negative numbers on a number line (see Negative and Positive Numbers).

Read the labels first

Picture graphs

A picture graph uses a symbol for a number of things. The key tells you how many one symbol stands for.

If one symbol stands for 4 children, then $5\frac{1}{2}$ symbols stand for $5\times 4+2=22$ children.

Column graphs

Line graphs and temperature

A line graph joins points to show how something changes over time. Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C). Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C.

Temperatures can go below zero. If a night in Canberra is $-3$°C and the next afternoon is 11°C, the temperature rose $3+11=14$ degrees.

Quick summary

• Read the title, axis labels and scale before you answer.
• In a picture graph, multiply the number of symbols by the key.
• Column graphs compare groups. Line graphs show change over time.
• A scale that does not start at 0 can make small differences look big.
• Water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C. From $-3$°C to 11°C is a rise of 14 degrees.

Quiz