Communicating Through Graphs Column Graph Line Graph Sector

Communicating Through Graphs Column Graph Line Graph Sector or Pie Graph

What Do Graphs Show? n Column Graph Each line of information is in a column. Each column touches the adjoining columns. Each column is the same width.

n Line graph A continuous line joins the dots. Best suits information which is continuous. Eg. Information involving measurement (length, weight, etc)

Step Graphs n n Step graphs links 2 lines of information in a 90 degree relationship. Often used to display information on sales or usage over a period of time.

Divided Bar Graph n n A divided bar graph shows how the parts of a particular bar make up the whole. As an example, the total number of shoes sold may be divided into how many were from the different distributors.

Conversion Graphs n n A conversion graph changes one quantity to another. It is a useful tool for changing units of measurement, money, clothing sizes, etc.

n Sector Graph (also known as Pie Graph) q q Each sector shows the fraction of the total for each piece of data. Each sector is often shown as a percentage of the whole circle.

When to Use Which Graph n What information do you want to emphasise? eg n Which occurred most often? n What is the difference between the data (range)? n How much information is needed to be identified? eg n Is a visual appearance enough? n Is the pattern of results sufficient?

Tables and Graphs n A graph will give a quick visual appearance of the information contained in the table. n However, a table will give you exact information whereas a graph may only give you approximations for the given information. Results of a Maths Test Marks Number of students 6 10 7 35 8 90 9 51 186

Misleading Graphs n Graphs can be made to be very misleading by: n n n Not starting the vertical axis at zero. Using an inappropriate or no vertical scale. Using 3 -D shapes and comparing volumes.

Bibliography n n n n Images provided by Microsoft Online Clip Art* http: //office. microsoft. com/clipart/default. aspx? lc=enus A Math’s Dictionary for Kids http: //www. teachers. ash. org. au/jeather/maths/dictiona ry. html Unit 3 Section 6: Conversion Graph http: //www. cimt. plymouth. ac. uk/projects/mepres/boo k 7/bk 7 i 3/bk 7_3 i 6. htm © Copyright NSW Department of Education and Training 2007. * Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.