Reading charts and tables
Strategy card
Interpret data precisely and know what it can and can't support.
- Step 1: Identify variables, units and scale.
- Step 2: Extract the needed values exactly.
- Step 3: Compute rates, averages, or percent change carefully.
- Step 4: Ask whether the claim goes beyond what the data shows.
Tip: Percent change = (new − old) ÷ old. The base matters.
Worked example
What is the mean (average)?
- A: 56
- B: 58
- C: 64
- D: 60 (the answer)
- E: 63
Why: Total 40 + 35 + 85 + 80 = 240. Divide by 4: 240 ÷ 4 = 60.
Your turn
Your turn 1 of 3
What is the range (largest minus smallest)?
Your turn 2 of 3
Which statement is supported by the data?
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| hundred visitors | 45 | 40 | 60 | 50 | 70 |
Your turn 3 of 3
What is the median (middle value when put in order)?
Keep practicing
Grown-ups: Talk about correlation vs. cause in a real article. Parent guide
Next lesson: Unknowns and balances