3-63 Reading a Pictograph

Every pictograph has a Key. The Key tells you how much the symbol is when you count.  This symbol can stand for 1 thing.  It could also stand for 2 things.  It might even stand for 5 things.  The Key tells us how much the symbol is when we count.  For example:

If the Pictograph Key says 1 symbol = 2,

then three symbols  would equal (2+2+2) 6.

If the Pictograph Key says 1 symbol = 5, then four symbols

   would equal (5+5+5+5) 20.

It is very important to look at the Pictograph Key before we begin counting so that we get the correct answer.

Sometimes you may see half of a symbol.  In that case, you will need to look at the Key to see how much a whole symbol is worth and then cut that number in half.  For example:

If the Pictograph Key says  = 2,

then half of 2 would be 1.  So  would count as 1.

If the Pictograph Key says  = 2,

then would equal (2+2+1) 5.

Now look at the Pictograph below and answer the questions.  Don't forget to look at the Key before counting!

Favorite Pets
Hamster
Cat
Dog
Guinea Pig
Rabbit

Key: = 2 votes

1.  How many people picked Hamster as their favorite pet?

2.  How many people chose Cat?

3.  How many people chose Dog as their favorite pet?

4.  How many people chose a Guinea Pig?

5.  What was the favorite pet of all?

6.  What two pets had the same number of votes?

  Cat and Guinea Pig

  Hamster and Guinea Pig

  Hamster and Rabbit

7. How many more people voted for Dog than Cat?

8. Suppose Gerbil was on the pictograph with 6 votes.  How many symbols would be shown for Gerbil?

9. What is the title of the pictograph?