How will we plot this data? Types of Graphs

Why Use a Graph? Put up a graph or a chart, and suddenly everything you're saying makes sense! Graphs or charts help people understand data quickly. Whether you want to make a comparison, show a relationship, or highlight a trend. They all look smart, but which one is appropriate for the data you've collected?

Can you use a bar graph to show a trend Can you use a bar graph to show a trend? Is a line graph appropriate for sales data? When do you use a pie chart? Common graph types: Line graph- are most useful for showing trends, and for identifying whether two variables relate to one another. Bar graph-A type of graph that shows relationships between different data series that are not dependent on each other Pie chart (circle graph)-A pie chart compares parts to a whole. It shows a percentage distribution. The entire pie represents the total data set and each segment of the pie is a particular category within the whole.

Line Graphs Examples of data you would plot as a line graph. Trends: How do sales vary from month to month? How does engine performance change as its temperature increases? Correlation: On average, how much sleep do people get, based on their age? Does the distance a child lives from school affect how frequently he or she is late?

Line Graph- Sales by month

Bar Graph Another type of graph that shows relationships between different data related but not dependent on each other is the bar graph. Here the height of the bar represents the measured value. The higher or longer the bar, the greater the value.

Bar Graph- sales of 3 products over 3 years

Pie Chart or Circle Graph Compares parts to a whole. As such it shows a percentage distribution. The entire pie represents the total data set and each segment of the pie is a particular category within the whole. The data you are measuring must show a ratio or percentage relationship. You must always use the same unit of measure within a pie chart.

Example of Circle Graph- Where do our sales come from?

What type of graph would you use to plot this data? How far you drove over time? The mean height of 6th, 7th and 8th graders 7th grade students favorite type of pet by percent. How you spend the your time in a day. http://www.recorder.com/home/9723640-95/national-statistics-on-youth-head-injuries

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