Max Maths, Year 4, Learn together, Reading and making tables (2)

In an exercise taken from a Year 4 mathematics textbook, students explore the concept of data representation through the use of tables. Toby, who is interested in various sports, has counted the different types of sports balls in his bedroom and recorded his findings in a table. By examining the table, we can discern certain facts about his collection. It is noted that tennis balls are the most numerous with a total of eight, while footballs are the least common, with just two. Additionally, the table reveals that Toby has an equal number of basketballs and baseballs, with three of each. This exercise helps students understand how tables can be used to organise and interpret data effectively.

Another example provided involves Samir, who conducted a survey among his classmates to find out their favourite fruit. The results of his survey are presented in a table that uses tally marks to represent the number of learners who prefer each type of fruit. Tally marks are a simple yet efficient way to count and record numbers, with each group of five marks indicating five people. This visual representation in the form of tally marks aids in making the counting process straightforward and the data easy to read. These practical applications of tables in everyday situations demonstrate to students how data can be collected and presented clearly for analysis.