Florida Grade 3 Math · Data Analysis and Probability

MA.3.DP.1.2: Reading Graphs and Solving Problems

What this Grade 3 benchmark means, worked examples, common mistakes, and a free printable worksheet.

Created by a Florida mom · Published by Tropical Learning LLC

What Is Benchmark MA.3.DP.1.2?

Students interpret data in tables, scaled pictographs, circle graphs, scaled bar graphs, and line plots by solving one-step and two-step problems. They also compare two data sets that use the same units.

In Grade 3, circle graphs show the total value in each category (not percents).

Official benchmarkInterpret data with whole-number values represented with tables, scaled pictographs, circle graphs, scaled bar graphs or line plots by solving one- and two-step problems.

On the FAST test: part of the Grade 3 reporting category Geometric Reasoning, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability, which is about 23–29% of the test.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Reading a Scaled Pictograph

In a pictograph, each ★ stands for 3 students. Soccer has 5 stars and baseball has 3 stars. How many more students chose soccer?
  1. 1Soccer: 5 × 3 = 15
  2. 2Baseball: 3 × 3 = 9
  3. 315 − 9 = 6
Answer: 6 more students

Worked Example 2

Reading a Circle Graph

A circle graph shows pets in a class: cats 12, dogs 18, fish 6. How many pets are there?
  1. 1Add the values in all the parts.
  2. 212 + 18 + 6 = 36
Answer: 36 pets

Common Mistakes to Watch For

Counting symbols instead of using the key

Wrong:Soccer has 5 stars, so 5 students chose soccer.

Each star is 3 students: 5 × 3 = 15 students.

Adding when the question asks how many more

Wrong:Soccer had 15 + 9 = 24 more votes than baseball.

"How many more" compares, so subtract: 15 − 9 = 6.

Helpful Math Tip

When reading any graph, have your child first say what the title, labels, and scale or key mean before answering questions.

Related Grade 3 Skills

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Independent Educational Platform. FastChomp is published by Tropical Learning LLC and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Florida Department of Education. FAST and Star assessment names are referenced for informational purposes only. FastChomp practice questions are original educational materials, not official Florida FAST assessment questions.