Graphing Review Part 2 Types of Graphs
How do I know what type of graph to use or what kind of data is being displayed? Each type of graph is specifically used for a type of data. While some data can be displayed multiple ways, there is a “best” type of graph for each.
Line Graph Line graphs are used for: Continuous data Showing trends Data that is changing (usually measured against time) **Not a single time, but a continuously measured time frame.
Example Line Graph Days
Bar Graph and Histograms Bar graphs and Histograms are useful for categories of data Used to show data that are not continuous. Allows us to compare data of like amounts or frequency or categories Allow us to make generalizations about the data Help us see differences in data
Example Bar Graph
Example Histogram S tudent s Flavors
Pie Chart / Circle Graph Good for showing data that are part of a whole usually shows percentages (%) To find % of a whole a. Find total number of items b. Find number of each item c. Percent = number of each item divided by total number of items, multiplied by 100 % = PART x 100 WHOLE
Example Pie Chart / Circle Graph
Pictograph A pictograph is a bar graph that uses pictures to represent varying amounts of an item. For example, a t-shirt may represent 500 shirts sold.
Example Pictograph