Grade 3 · Measurement & Data · MAT-03-MD-007
Read Scaled Picture Graphs
Represent read scaled picture graphs with words, symbols, diagrams, or models appropriate to Grade 3.
Learning objectives
What you should be able to do
- Represent read scaled picture graphs with words, symbols, diagrams, or models appropriate to Grade 3.
- Solve problems involving read scaled picture graphs accurately and explain why the method works.
- Check results for reasonableness using a second representation, inverse relationship, benchmark, or property when appropriate.
Prerequisite check
Make sure the foundation is ready.
Checks conceptual readiness before new Grade 3 reasoning.
Checks whether prior skills are available for use, not only recalled by name.
Learn
Build the idea from meaning, not memorization.
Meaning of Read Scaled Picture Graphs
A scaled picture graph uses each symbol to represent more than one item.
A reliable reasoning strategy
Read the key before counting symbols, then multiply the symbol count by the scale value.
Representations that should agree
The graph is a multiplication model because equal-value symbols form equal groups. A correct model, equation, verbal explanation, or diagram should preserve the same quantities and relationships.
How to check the result
Check whether the answer fits the quantities, units, and structure of the problem. Use a second representation or inverse relationship when available, and explain what would make an answer unreasonable.
Interactive math lab
Change it. See what stays true.
Data & Graph Lab
Adjust category values and read the graph numerically.
- build a model
- change one quantity
- predict before calculating
- explain why the result changes
Worked examples
Twenty different ways to see the concept work.
A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
3 × 5 = 15Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
4 × 2 = 8Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 5 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
5 × 5 = 25Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 6 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
6 × 2 = 12Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 7 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
7 × 5 = 35Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 2 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
2 × 2 = 4Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
3 × 5 = 15Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
4 × 2 = 8Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 5 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
5 × 5 = 25Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 6 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
6 × 2 = 12Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 7 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
7 × 5 = 35Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 2 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
2 × 2 = 4Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
3 × 5 = 15Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
4 × 2 = 8Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 5 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
5 × 5 = 25Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 6 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
6 × 2 = 12Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 7 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
7 × 5 = 35Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 2 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
2 × 2 = 4Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
3 × 5 = 15Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
4 × 2 = 8Multiply the number of symbols by the value of each symbol.
Practice
Guided practice with hints
01A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Hint: Read the key before counting symbols, then multiply the symbol count by the scale value.
Answer: 15
02A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Hint: Read the key before counting symbols, then multiply the symbol count by the scale value.
Answer: 8
03A picture graph shows 5 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Hint: Read the key before counting symbols, then multiply the symbol count by the scale value.
Answer: 25
04A picture graph shows 6 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Hint: Read the key before counting symbols, then multiply the symbol count by the scale value.
Answer: 12
05A picture graph shows 7 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Hint: Read the key before counting symbols, then multiply the symbol count by the scale value.
Answer: 35
06A picture graph shows 2 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Hint: Read the key before counting symbols, then multiply the symbol count by the scale value.
Answer: 4
Practice
Independent practice
01A picture graph shows 5 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 25
02A picture graph shows 6 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 12
03A picture graph shows 7 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 35
04A picture graph shows 2 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 4
05A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 15
06A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 8
07A picture graph shows 5 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 25
08A picture graph shows 6 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 12
Common mistakes
Learn to catch the error, not just the answer.
Translate one symbol into its numerical value before answering questions.
Reconnect the answer to read scaled picture graphs and verify that the model, calculation, and label describe the same quantity.
Applications & challenge
Use the idea beyond a single exercise.
Applications
- Interpret survey and category data compactly.
- Use read scaled picture graphs to interpret or solve a Grade 3 situation with quantities, diagrams, measurements, or data.
Challenge problems
A picture graph shows 7 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
35
A picture graph shows 2 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
4
A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
15
A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
8
Flashcards
Retrieve it from memory.
Flashcards
Card 1 of 4
Game mode
Read Scaled Picture Graphs Challenge
Solve and explain Grade 3 problems involving read scaled picture graphs without relying on answer guessing.
Practice
Mastery check
01A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 15
02A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 8
03A picture graph shows 5 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 25
04A picture graph shows 6 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 12
05A picture graph shows 7 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 35
06A picture graph shows 2 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 4
07A picture graph shows 3 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 5 items. How many items?
Answer: 15
08A picture graph shows 4 symbols and the key says each symbol represents 2 items. How many items?
Answer: 8
Terminology
Words to know
- scale
- The amount represented by one symbol or interval.
- key
- A statement explaining what a graph symbol represents.
Continue learning
Connected concepts
Curriculum references
Standards and instructional references
California Common Core State Standards for Mathematics — Grade 3, 3.MD.3
Primary standards alignment for Read Scaled Picture Graphs.2023 Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools
Instructional emphasis on reasoning, representations, problem solving, and equitable access.