Definition
Pictorial representation
A pictorial representation uses drawings or images to show mathematical objects, quantities, structures, or relationships.
Continue from this idea into connected AXIO math.
What it means
The picture is doing mathematical work. Each mark, object, group, length, or position stands for something in the problem. Four boxes with three apples in each can show four equal groups of three. A picture that only decorates the page does not count.
Remember it
In a maths picture, every useful mark has a job.
Example
Draw five bags with two marbles in each bag. The five bag outlines show five groups, and the two marble pictures inside each show two in every group. The drawing represents 5 × 2 = 10.
Watch for
A realistic picture can still be a weak representation if its sizes, groups, positions, or counts do not match the mathematics.
Common mix-up
Pictorial does not mean decorative. It means the picture elements carry exact mathematical meaning.
Exact meaning
A pictorial representation is a mathematical representation in which drawn or imaged elements consistently stand for mathematical objects, quantities, positions, groups, or relationships.