How can I read a pictograph when it shows half symbols?

A pictograph uses pictures or symbols to represent data. Sometimes, you will see half symbols — this means the quantity is half of the value represented by a full symbol.

Steps to Read a Pictograph with Half Symbols

1. Check the Key/Legend:
   The key tells you what one full symbol represents (for example, 1 apple 🍎 = 10 students).
2. Look for Half Symbols:
   A half symbol will mean half of the value shown in the key.
   • Example: If 1 apple 🍎 = 10 students, then half apple = 5 students.
3. Count Carefully:
   Add up all full symbols + half symbols to get the total.

Example

If a pictograph shows:
🍎🍎🍎½🍎 (3 and a half apples)
And the key says 1 🍎 = 10 students, then:
Total = (3 × 10) + (½ × 10) = 30 + 5 = 35 students

Always check the legend/key first, then treat half symbols as half the value of one full symbol before adding them to get the total.