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Create simple bar graphs

A simple bar graph represents counts for a small set of categories, with labeled categories, a numerical scale marked in whole-number intervals, and bars whose lengths or heights match the quantities, typically using one unit per item and counts within 10. It supports comparing categories, identifying most and least, and answering how many more or fewer; scaled axes, fractional values, continuous data, and multi-step statistical analysis are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Create simple bar graphs

A bar graph uses bars to show how many are in each category.

Follow these steps:

  1. Write the categories.
  2. Count how many are in each category.
  3. Label the categories.
  4. Make a number scale using whole numbers, starting at 00.
  5. Draw each bar to match its count. One block can stand for one item.

Example: A class chooses its favorite fruit.

FruitNumber of students
Apples4
Bananas2
Oranges5
Grapes3

Use the table to make the bar graph:

Number of students
0    1    2    3    4    5
|----|----|----|----|----|
Apples   ■ ■ ■ ■              4
Bananas  ■ ■                  2
Oranges  ■ ■ ■ ■ ■            5
Grapes   ■ ■ ■                3
  • The fruit names are the categories.
  • The numbers from 00 to 55 are the scale.
  • Each block represents 11 student.
  • Each bar ends at the correct number.

Now compare the bars:

  • Oranges has the most, with 55 students.
  • Bananas has the fewest, with 22 students.
  • Oranges has how many more students than bananas?
5−2=35-2=3

So, 33 more students chose oranges than bananas.

Learn by doing: Create simple bar graphs

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    Graphing - Create Bar Chart from Data (Text)

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