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Interpret circle graphs

A circle graph represents a whole divided into categories, with each sector’s size corresponding to the category’s fraction, decimal, or percentage of the total; its central angle represents the same proportion of 360°. Interpretation includes identifying and comparing categories, finding a category’s amount when the total is known, and determining a missing category from the whole, using familiar fractions and percentages rather than advanced statistical analysis or trigonometric methods.

Detailed Explanation: Interpret circle graphs

A circle graph shows how one whole is divided into categories. A larger sector represents a larger fraction or percentage of the whole.

To find a category’s amount:

  1. Find the total amount.
  2. Change the category’s percentage into a fraction or decimal.
  3. Multiply by the total.
  4. Compare the amounts or sector sizes.

Example: A circle graph shows the favorite sports of (40)(40) students:

  • Soccer: (50%)(50\%)
  • Basketball: (25%)(25\%)
  • Swimming: (15%)(15\%)
  • Tennis: (10%)(10\%)

How many students chose soccer and basketball?

For soccer, (50%=12)(50\%=\frac{1}{2}):

12×40=20\frac{1}{2}\times 40=20

So, (20)(20) students chose soccer.

For basketball, (25%=14)(25\%=\frac{1}{4}):

14×40=10\frac{1}{4}\times 40=10

So, (10)(10) students chose basketball.

The soccer sector is larger because (50%>25%)(50\%>25\%), and (20>10)(20>10). Therefore, twice as many students chose soccer as basketball.

Learn by doing: Interpret circle graphs

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    Graphing - Circle Graph (Fractions) - Read Value

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