A pictograph represents categorical data by using a key to assign a fixed whole-number quantity to each symbol; interpretation requires translating symbols into quantities, including multiplying the number of symbols by the key value. The learner determines category totals, compares amounts, finds differences, and answers addition or subtraction questions while distinguishing the key’s value from the number of symbols shown. This scope excludes fractional symbols, changing or nonuniform keys, and more abstract statistical analysis.
A pictograph uses symbols to show amounts. The key tells how many each symbol represents.
Example
A class records the number of books students read:
| Type of book | Symbols |
|---|---|
| Fiction | ★ ★ ★ |
| Science | ★ ★ |
| Comics | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
Key: star represents books.
Count the symbols, then multiply by the key value.
Students read fiction books.
Students read science books.
Students read comic books.
Remember: the number of stars is not the total number of books. You must multiply the number of stars by .
How many more comic books than science books were read?
Subtract the totals:
So, 12 more comic books than science books were read.
How many fiction and science books were read altogether?
So, 20 fiction and science books were read altogether.
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