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      Using graphs to represent lengths and heights

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can represent lengths and heights on a graph and use them to solve problems

      Key learning points

      1. Information about length and height from a table can be represented in a bar graph.
      2. Information represented in a bar graph can be used to solve problems.

      Keywords

      • Graph - A graph is a visual way of showing information. A Bar Graph uses bars of different lengths or heights to represent information.

      • Axis - An axis on a graph is a fixed measuring line that runs horizontally (left to right) and/or vertically from zero:

      Common misconception

      Mistakes may be made on comparison problems. E.g. how much further does one child jump than another?

      When we compare, we are finding the difference. To find the difference, we need to subtract the smaller value from the larger value.

      Teacher tip

      Bar graphs are used to present discrete data. Data related to length and height might be considered continuous but the way it is used here is for comparison and is a measurement taken at one point in time and so is considered discrete data.

      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).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the multiples with their times-table.

      Correct Answer:10, 15, 20, 25,Five times-table
      Correct Answer:4, 6, 8, 10,Two times-table
      Correct Answer:20, 30, 40, 50,Ten times-table
      Correct Answer:2, 3, 4, 5,One times-table

      Q2.
      How tall is this mouse? Tick all the options that apply.

      An image in a quiz
      4 mm
      Correct answer: 40 mm
      Correct answer: 4 cm
      40 cm
      4 m

      Q3.
      Which of these values is the greatest?

      120 m
      102 m
      Correct answer: 122 m
      112 m

      Q4.
      Look at this table showing estimated and actual lengths that children can kick a football. What does the 35 m represent?

      An image in a quiz
      The estimated length that Izzy can kick a football.
      Correct answer: The actual length that Izzy can kick a football.
      The actual length that Andeep can kick a football.
      The estimate length that Jacob can kick a football.

      Q5.
      Match the letters to their appropriate number on this number line.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer:A,10
      Correct Answer:B,20
      Correct Answer:C,30
      Correct Answer:D,50

      Q6.
      Find the difference between 100 and 85.

      An image in a quiz
      185
      25
      Correct answer: 15

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A line on a bar graph that runs horizontally (left to right) from zero is known as .

      the graph
      the title
      Correct answer: an axis

      Q2.
      If we were to represent the data in this table in a bar graph, what maximum value would be needed for the numerical axis?

      An image in a quiz
      20
      25
      30
      Correct answer: 35

      Q3.
      If we were to represent the data in this table in a bar graph, what should the numbers labelled on the axis increase in?

      An image in a quiz
      Ones
      Twos
      Correct answer: Fives
      Tens

      Q4.
      Look at the bar graph comparing the length of some objects. Match the object to its length.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer:Pencil,10 cm
      Correct Answer:Book,25 cm
      Correct Answer:Eraser,5 cm
      Correct Answer:Glasses,15 cm
      Correct Answer:Pen,15 cm

      Q5.
      Look at the bar graph comparing the length of some objects. Which object is the shortest?

      An image in a quiz
      Pencil
      Book
      Correct answer: Eraser
      Glasses
      Pen

      Q6.
      Look at the bar graph comparing the length of some objects. What is the difference in length between the longest and shortest object?

      An image in a quiz
      5 cm
      Correct answer: 20 cm
      25 cm
      30 cm

      To help you plan your 3 maths lesson on: Using graphs to represent lengths and heights, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...