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Identify most and least common categories

The learner interprets categorical data represented in simple picture graphs, tally charts, or bar graphs and identifies the category with the greatest frequency as most common and the category with the smallest frequency as least common. This includes comparing counts within a small data set, recognizing when two or more categories tie for most or least common, and distinguishing the category name from the number of objects or responses it represents.

Detailed Explanation: Identify most and least common categories

A category is the name of a group, such as a color or animal. The frequency is how many objects or responses are in that group.

To find the most and least common categories:

  1. Count the marks, pictures, or bars in each category.
  2. Compare the counts.
  3. The category with the greatest count is the most common.
  4. The category with the smallest count is the least common.
  5. If categories have the same count, they tie.

Example

Each square represents 1 student’s favorite color.

ColorPicture graphCount
Red■ ■ ■ ■4
Blue■ ■2
Green■ ■ ■ ■4
Yellow■ ■2

First, compare the counts: 44, 22, 44, and 22.

  • The greatest count is 44. Red and green are tied for most common.
  • The smallest count is 22. Blue and yellow are tied for least common.

Remember: Red, green, blue, and yellow are the category names. The numbers 44 and 22 tell how many students chose each color.

Learn by doing: Identify most and least common categories

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Graphing - Tally Chart - Maximum


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