Topics / Maths
Data handling
Data questions test reading and interpreting tables, bar charts, pictograms, pie charts and line graphs. Read the key and axes carefully: the arithmetic is usually simple.
What is tested
- Reading tables, charts and graphs
- Pictograms and scales
- Pie charts and fractions of a total
Worked example
In a pictogram, one symbol stands for 4 books. A row shows 6½ symbols. How many books?
- 6 whole symbols = 6 × 4 = 24.
- Half a symbol = 2.
- Total = 26.
Answer: 26 books
Exam-day checklist
- Read the title, key and axis labels first.
- Check the scale: what does each step or symbol stand for?
- Pie chart: angle ÷ 360 gives the fraction.
- Answer the exact thing asked (how many more? total?).
Common mistakes
- Ignoring the key or scale.
- Reading the wrong bar or row.
- Giving a fraction of the pie when a number was asked.
Try it yourself
1. A pie chart of 200 people has a 90° sector for 'walk'. How many walk?
Show answer
50
90/360 = 1/4, and 1/4 of 200 = 50.
2. A tally shows 12 red, 8 blue and 5 green. What fraction is red?
Show answer
12/25
Total 25, so red is 12 out of 25.
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