Interpreting Charts and Graphs

In order to read and interpret graphs, it is important to understand what the parts of a graph tell us. Let’s start by looking at bar graphs.

Bar Graphs Used to compare data between different groups Allows you to make quick generalizations

Parts of a Bar Graph uses keywords to tell what the graph is about Title Labels Scale shows the units used on the y axis explains what kind of data is shown on the x and y axis represent the data amount for each group Bars

Now let’s take a look at what line graphs can tell us.

Line Graphs Track change over time Allows you to see small changes Can see change for more than one group over the same time period. (multiple line graphs)

Parts of a Line Graph uses keywords to tell what the graph is about Title Labels Scale shows the units used on the y axis explains what kind of data is shown on the x and y axis Points represents the data amount Line connects the data points

Now let’s take a look at what circle graphs can tell us.

Circle Graphs or Pie Charts Allows you to compare parts of a whole

Parts of a Circle Graph uses keywords to tell what the graph is about Title Legend explains what each sector or slice represents Sectors represents one part of the data set

Let’s practice interpreting different types of graphs. The questions without multiple choice answers are questions to think about. Those questions with multiple choice answers need to be answered as directed by your teacher.

Building NameCity Height (ft) Height (m) Sears TowerChicago Aon CenterChicago Empire State BuildingNew York John Hancock CenterChicago Trump International Hotel and TowerChicago Bank of America TowerNew York Chrysler BuildingNew York This includes spires and architectural details but does not include antenna masts. Becker, Lynn. "The World's Tallest Buildings - America's latest Outsourcing".The World's Tallest Buildings - America's latest Outsourcing Think about the table. What does this table represent? How do you know? What clues are there that tell you about the information in this chart?

Answer the following on a notebook piece of paper and turn in. 1. What does the graph show? a. time it took to build these buildings b. tallest buildings in the world d. tallest buildings in the United States c. cost of the tallest buildings in the United States Look at the bar graph that was created from the previous table.

2. Which is the tallest building in the United States? a. Sears Tower b. Aon Center d. Empire State Building c. Trump International Hotel and Tower Look at the bar graph that was created from the previous table.

3. Which two buildings appear to be approximately the same height? a.Sears Tower and Trump International Hotel and Tower b.Bank of America Tower and Sears Tower d. Empire State Building and Chrysler Building c. John Hancock Center and Aon Center Look at the bar graph that was created from the previous table.

4. The Chrysler Building is the shortest bar. Does this mean it is the shortest building in the United States? a.Yes b.No Look at the bar graph that was created from the previous table.

5. What does the graph show? a. population growth in Harris County b. salary growth in Harris County d. number of people in each county c. number of years Harris County has existed Look at the line graph. Read each of the parts of the graph.

6. What does the y axis represent on this line graph? a. which year the population grew b. number of people d. none of these c. number of years Look at the line graph. Read each of the parts of the graph.

7. What can not be determined by looking at this graph? a. between which decade the population increased b. the approximate number of people in Harris County in 2000 d. that the population more than doubled between 1940 and 1960 c. the population of Houston in 1880 Look at the line graph. Read each of the parts of the graph.

8. Which table below best represents the circle graph? Look at the circle graph. Read each part of the graph. Activity Number of Students Hanging out with friends 10 Going on Vacation 20 Going swimming 10 Activity Number of Students Hanging out with friends 30 Going on Vacation 25 Going swimming 5 Activity Number of Students Hanging out with friends 35 Going on Vacation 5 Going swimming 20 Activity Number of Students Hanging out with friends 25 Going on Vacation 25 Going swimming 10 A.A. B.B.C.C.D.D.

9. What can not be determined by looking at this graph? a. the number of people surveyed b. the percentage of 8 th graders who have dogs d. ¼ of the 8 th graders surveyed have no pets c. twice as many people have cats rather than fish Look at the circle graph. Read each part of the graph.

10. Which type of graph would you choose to show ticket sales over a period of time? a. bar graph b. line graph d. none of these c. circle graph

11. Which type of graph would best display what percent of the athletic shoe industry is dominated by Nike? a. bar graph b. line graph d. none of these c. circle graph Sneakers Sold This Month Brand Name Number Sold Adidas25 Nike32 Reebok10 Asics18 Other15 Total100

12. Which type of graph would best display the number sold for each company? a. bar graph b. line graph d. none of these c. circle graph Sneakers Sold This Month Brand Name Number Sold Adidas25 Nike32 Reebok10 Asics18 Other15 Total100