Data Through Pictures - Class 5 Mathematics (CBSE)

Based on the current NCERT Maths Mela Grade 5 sequence. Read the idea, try the activity, then solve the practice set without looking at the answers.

1. Why this chapter matters

Data Through Pictures uses familiar Class 5 situations to make mathematics feel usable. Instead of treating maths as a list of sums, this chapter asks students to notice information, choose a method, explain the method, and check whether the answer makes sense.

The main focus is collecting, organising, reading, and explaining data using pictographs and simple charts. This is useful in notebooks, oral questions, class activities, and competency-based school tests because teachers often ask students to explain how they know, not just write the final number.

2. Core ideas

Idea 1

Data is information collected to answer a question.

Method 2

A pictograph uses pictures to show numbers.

Skill 3

Every graph needs a title, labels, and a key.

3. Worked examples

Example 1: If one apple picture stands for 5 apples, what do 4 pictures show?

4 x 5 = 20 apples.

Check: The answer uses the correct operation and keeps the unit or context clear.

Example 2: A chart shows 12 students like cricket and 8 like football. How many more like cricket?

12 - 8 = 4 more students.

Check: The answer uses the correct operation and keeps the unit or context clear.

4. Activity corner

Survey 10 classmates about favourite fruits. Make a tally table and a pictograph.

Write your activity answer in three parts:

• What I observed
• What I calculated or compared
• What mathematical idea this shows

5. Common mistakes

• Mistake: Solving before reading the whole word problem Fix: Circle the data, underline the question, and then choose the operation.
• Mistake: Forgetting units such as cm, m, kg, L, minutes, or rupees Fix: Write the unit with every final answer.
• Mistake: Doing only exact calculation without checking reasonableness Fix: Use estimation or reverse operation to catch impossible answers.

6. How to write better answers

1. Write the given numbers and units first.
2. Show the operation or reasoning step.
3. Use a diagram, table, grid, or number line if it makes the answer clearer.
4. Write the final answer in a complete sentence.
5. Check the answer by estimation, reverse operation, or common sense.

7. Practice set

1. What is data?
2. What does a pictograph key tell us?
3. If one star means 2 votes, 6 stars mean?
4. Why are charts easier than long lists?
5. Why should survey questions be clear?
6. Write one question you can answer by collecting data.

8. Answer key

1. What is data? Answer: Collected information.

2. What does a pictograph key tell us? Answer: It tells the value of each picture.

3. If one star means 2 votes, 6 stars mean? Answer: 12 votes.

4. Why are charts easier than long lists? Answer: They show patterns and comparisons quickly.

5. Why should survey questions be clear? Answer: Unclear questions give confusing data.

6. Write one question you can answer by collecting data. Answer: Example: Which game is most popular in our class?

9. Quick revision

• Main focus: collecting, organising, reading, and explaining data using pictographs and simple charts.
• Data is information collected to answer a question.
• A pictograph uses pictures to show numbers.
• Every graph needs a title, labels, and a key.
• Learn by doing the activity once, not by memorising only the final answers.
• Keep units clear and show steps for partial marks.