Interpret bar graphs

A bar graph represents categorical data by using the lengths or heights of bars to show whole-number frequencies, with a labeled scale that may count by 1, 2, 5, or 10. Interpretation involves reading exact values, comparing categories, and solving one- and two-step problems involving totals, differences, and how many more or fewer; more advanced statistical measures and generalized data analysis are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Interpret bar graphs

Look at the scale first. The scale tells you what each line or step on the graph means. Then look at where the top of each bar reaches.

Here is a bar graph about students’ favorite fruits. The scale counts by $2$ .

Number of students

10 |                         █
 8 |                 █       █
 6 |       █         █       █
 4 |       █   █     █       █
 2 |       █   █     █       █
 0 +-----------------------------
        Apples  Bananas  Grapes  Oranges

Problem: How many students chose apples and bananas altogether? How many more students chose oranges than apples?

Step 1: Read each needed bar

The apples bar reaches $6$ , so $6$ students chose apples.
The bananas bar reaches $4$ , so $4$ students chose bananas.
The oranges bar reaches $10$ , so $10$ students chose oranges.

Step 2: Find the total for apples and bananas

Add the two values:

6+4=10

So, $10$ students chose apples and bananas altogether.

Step 3: Find how many more chose oranges than apples

Subtract the smaller number from the larger number:

10-6=4

So, $4$ more students chose oranges than apples.

Remember: Read the bar’s height using the graph’s scale, then add or subtract as the question asks.

Learn by doing: Interpret bar graphs

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Graphing - Bar Graph (Single) - Total of Series

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