Everything Life Sciences Grade 10

FACT

Table headings are
always written
ABOVE the table.
Graph headings are
always written
BELOW the graph.

Figure 1.3: Graph showing change in plant height over 10 days

Bar Graphs

Bar graphs are used when:

• The independent variable is discontinuous (i.e. The variables on the x-axis are each
  associated with something different)


• Independent variables are not numerical. For example, when examining the protein
  content of various food types, the order of the food types along the horizontal axis is
  irrelevant.

Bar graphs have the following features:

• The data are plotted as columns or bars that do not touch each other as each deals
  with a different characteristic.


• The bars must be the same width and be the same distance apart from each other.


• A bar graph can be displayed vertically or horizontally.


• A bar graph must have a clear, descriptive title, which is written beneath the graph.

Figure 1.4: Bar graph showing how many learners use each type of transport

Histograms

16 1.7. How to draw graphs in Science