Unit 7 — Graphs and Problem Solving

Welcome back!

Mathematics is not only about numbers.

It is also about understanding information, finding patterns, and solving problems.

Graphs help us organize information so we can understand it more easily.

Problem-solving helps us use mathematics to answer questions about the real world.

Collecting Data

Data is information that we gather.

For example, a class might collect data about:

• favorite fruits
• favorite books
• pets
• birthdays by month
• hours spent reading

Once data is collected, it can be organized and studied.

Making Tables

A table organizes information into rows and columns.

Example:

| Favorite Fruit | Students |

|----------------|----------|

| Apples | 8 |

| Bananas | 5 |

| Grapes | 6 |

| Oranges | 4 |

Tables make information easier to read.

Bar Graphs

A bar graph uses bars to compare amounts.

Longer bars represent larger numbers.

Bar graphs help us answer questions such as:

• Which is the most popular?
• Which is the least popular?
• How much greater is one value than another?

Picture Graphs

Picture graphs use symbols instead of bars.

For example:

🍎 = 2 students

If you see:

🍎🍎🍎

that represents:

6 students.

Always check the key before reading a picture graph.

Finding Patterns

Mathematicians look for patterns.

Patterns help us:

• make predictions
• solve problems
• recognize relationships

Example:

2, 4, 6, 8, 10...

Each number increases by 2.

Recognizing patterns helps us think logically.

Solving Problems Step by Step

Good problem solvers work carefully.

A helpful method is:

1. Read the problem.
2. Identify the important information.
3. Decide which operations to use.
4. Solve the problem.
5. Check whether the answer makes sense.

Thinking carefully is often more important than working quickly.

Activity

Ask five friends or family members:

"What is your favorite season?"

Record the results in a table.

Then create a simple bar graph showing your data.

Finally, answer:

• Which season was chosen most often?
• Which season was chosen least often?

Practice

Answer these questions.

What is data?

Why do we use tables?

What does a bar graph show?

Why should you check the key on a picture graph?

Why is it helpful to solve problems step by step?

Review

Today you learned:

• data helps answer questions
• tables organize information
• graphs make comparisons easier
• patterns help solve problems
• careful thinking leads to accurate answers

Mathematics helps us understand the world by organizing information and solving problems logically.

Looking Ahead

Next we begin our Grade 3 science studies.

You will investigate how scientists ask questions, test ideas, gather evidence, and discover how the natural world works.