New
New
Use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to interpret graphs
I can use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to interpret graphs.
Lesson 9 of 10
New
New
- Year 5
Use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to interpret graphs
I can use knowledge of positive and negative numbers to interpret graphs.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Negative data values can be recorded by extending the axes beyond zero
Keywords
Axis / axes - The x and y lines that cross at right angles to make a graph or grid.
Common misconception
Inaccuracy when reading horizontally from the top of a bar to the y axis on a bar chart.
Model and encourage the use of rulers to follow a straight horizontal line from the top of a bar to the y axis.
Pupils who have completed the tasks can be asked to find other data from the bar chart beyond the questions asked. This could take the form of questions for a partner.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keyword with the definition.
Match the keyword with the definition.
Q2.A number line showing positive and negative values has marked intervals going up and down in twos. Which of the following numbers would appear as a marked interval?
A number line showing positive and negative values has marked intervals going up and down in twos. Which of the following numbers would appear as a marked interval?
4.2
−65
Q3.A number line showing positive and negative values has marked intervals going up and down in fives. Which of the following numbers would not appear in between the marked intervals?
A number line showing positive and negative values has marked intervals going up and down in fives. Which of the following numbers would not appear in between the marked intervals?
75
−100
−65
Q4.Fill in the gap: 20, 15, 10, 5, 0, , −10
Fill in the gap: 20, 15, 10, 5, 0, , −10
Q5.Tick all of the statements that are true of this graph.
Tick all of the statements that are true of this graph.

It is a line graph.
It has unmarked intervals.
The x axis shows the length of the objects.
Q6.What is the difference between the length of the pencil and the length of the book? cm
What is the difference between the length of the pencil and the length of the book? cm

Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The graph shows the average monthly temperature in the first three months of the year in ℃. What is the temperature in January? ℃
The graph shows the average monthly temperature in the first three months of the year in ℃. What is the temperature in January? ℃

Q2.What is the difference between the temperature in January and the temperature in February? ℃
What is the difference between the temperature in January and the temperature in February? ℃

Q3.This graph shows the minimum temperatures in degrees Celsius on different days of the week. What is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures? ℃
This graph shows the minimum temperatures in degrees Celsius on different days of the week. What is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures? ℃

Q4.Tick all the statements that are true.
Tick all the statements that are true.

There is a 7℃ difference between the temperatures on Monday and Thursday.
The temperature decreases every day.
Q5.In a line graph showing temperatures, what would the different orientations of the line mean? Match the type of line with the description of what it shows.
In a line graph showing temperatures, what would the different orientations of the line mean? Match the type of line with the description of what it shows.
Q6.This graph shows the changes in temperature over several days in ℃. Tick all the statements that are true.
This graph shows the changes in temperature over several days in ℃. Tick all the statements that are true.

The temperatures are always negative.
There is a decrease in the temperature between Friday and Saturday.
There is 5℃ difference between the highest and lowest temperatures.