- Definition
A tree diagram is like a map with branches that helps you see all the different ways something can turn out when you have a few choices to make, one after another.
A tree diagram can show that if you have two sandwich types (ham or cheese) and two drink types (milk or juice), you have four possible lunch combinations.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A tree diagram is like figuring out all the outfits you can make, where each shirt choice branches out to different pants choices.
Ask your child: How many lunch combos can you make with two sandwich types and two drink types?
Common mix-up: Kids may just list a few combinations they can think of. A tree diagram is a tool that helps you organize your thinking to find all the possibilities without missing any.
Examples
- Showing the eight possible outcomes of flipping a coin three times.
- Figuring out all the results from spinning a spinner with three colors and then rolling a die.
tree diagram is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
