Handling Data
Reading Charts
Today we are going to look at distance charts.
People find these difficult to understand. You don't just need these for the SATS you really do need to be able to read this type of chart in the future.
Why do we use charts? One reason that we present information in this way is because it does not take up a lot of room and we expect those who are reading the charts to know how to use them.
So once you get to grips with charts, you will find it easier to get information from the chart.
The chart below is a distance chart.
They used to be called mileage charts because the distance was given in miles. Now we use both miles (the old imperial measurement) and kilometres (metric measurement).
How to use charts of this type
You want to know the distance from Exeter to Bristol?
Go along from Exeter until you are directly under Bristol and you can see the answer is 83 kilometres.
Does it matter if you start from Bristol?
NO! the distance is the same. You go down from Bristol until you are level with Exeter. The distance that is level with the town, is the distance between the two places.
What if the town you want is not on the chart?
Then you have to find the nearest towns on the chart and get an approximate distance.
Here are a few questions for you to try and see if you understand how to read this type of chart
Tom is using the chart above to find out information for his mum about the distances for their coming holiday to Scotland.
Tom lives in Hereford.
1. Tom's mum tells him that they are going to Aberdeen by car and it is approximately 500 kilometres.
Is she right?
| Yes/ no | 1 mark |
2. What is the distance by the chart from Hereford to Aberdeen?
| ___ kilometres. | 1 mark |
3. On the way to Aberdeen they will be visiting Tom's uncle in Leeds.
So the journey will be from Hereford to Leeds, then from Leeds to Aberdeen.
What is the total distance travelled to get to their holiday destination?
(b) After the holiday they will drive straight back to Hereford.
What will be the total distance travelled there and back?
1. Tom's mum is approximately right, Yes.
(1 mark)
2. What is the distance by the chart from Hereford to Aberdeen?
482_Kilometres. (1 mark)
3. On the way to Aberdeen they will be visiting Tom's uncle in Leeds.
So the journey will be from Hereford to Leeds then from Leeds to Aberdeen.
What is the total distance travelled to get to their holiday?
(b) After the holiday they will drive straight back to Hereford. What will be the total distance travelled there and back?
Total 6 marks
Well, how did you do?
If you got 4 or more you understand how to use this type of chart.
If you got less than 4 go through the questions again to make sure you didn't misread them.
Next time we look at charts, we will look at timetables.
Good Luck!