Select an Appropriate Display
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AboutAbout
Graphs help analyze and interpret data easily, but the way they are drawn
may misrepresent the data. The use of different scales can influence
conclusions from graphs.SCHOOL DANCES The graphs show the attendance at last year’s school
dances.
Graph A Graph B
School Dance AttendanceFall Homecoming Winter Spring
DanceNumber of Students300
250
200
150
100
50
0School Dance AttendanceFall Homecoming Winter Spring
DanceNumber of Students500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0a. Do the graphs show the same data? If so, explain how they differ.
The graphs show the same data. However, the graphs differ in that
Graph A uses a scale from 0 to 500, and Graph B uses a scale from
0 to 300.
b. Which graph makes it appear that the attendance increased more
rapidly? Explain your reasoning.
Graph B makes it appear that the attendance increased more rapidly
even though the attendance increase is the same.- BUSINESS The graphs show the admission prices for a museum from
2008 to 2012. Which graph suggests that the price has increased but not
significantly? Explain your reasoning.
Graph A Graph B
Museum Admission Prices
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
YearCost ($)25
20
15
10
5
0Museum Admission Prices2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
YearCost ($)40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0- SCHOOL DANCES Refer to the Example above. Which graph might Student
Council use to show that dance attendance has risen? Explain your
reasoning.
Lesson 4C More Statistical Displays 545534_545_C09_L4_895130.indd 545 1/11/10 9:46 AM