Basic Mathematics for College Students

In figure (a), the information in the table is presented in a bar graph.The
horizontal scale is labeled “Year” and units of 2 years are used. The vertical scale is
labeled “Number of women members” and units of 10 are used. The bar directly over
each year extends to a height that shows the number of women members of the House
of Representatives that year.

1.1 An Introduction to the Whole Numbers 9

Number of

Year women members

1997 51

1999 56

2001 60

2003 59

2005 67

2007 71

Source:www.ergd.org/
HouseOfRepresentatives

Bar graph

10

20

30

40

50

60

1997 1999 2001

Year

Number of women members

2003 2005

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

70

80

1997 1999 2001

Year

Number of women members

2003 2005

Line graph

2007 2007

(a) (b)

The Language of Mathematics Horizontal is a form of the word horizon.

Think of the sun setting over the horizon. Vertical means in an upright

position. Pro basketball player LeBron James’ vertical leap measures more

than 49 inches.

Another way to present the information in the table is with a line graph.Instead
of using a bar to represent the number of women members, we use a dot drawn at the
correct height. After drawing data points for 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007, the
points are connected to create the line graph in figure (b).

“A re-entry student is considered one who is the age of 25 or older, or those

students that have had a break in their academic work for 5 years or more.

Nationally, this group of students is growing at an astounding rate.”

Student Life and Leadership Department, University Union, Cal Poly University, San Luis Obispo

Some common concerns expressed by adult students considering returning to

school are listed below in Column I. Match each concern to an encouraging

reply in Column II.

Column I

1. I’m too old to learn.


2. I don’t have the time.


3. I didn’t do well in school the
   first time around. I don’t think a
   college would accept me.


4. I’m afraid I won’t fit in.


5. I don’t have the money to pay
   for college.

Column II

a.Many students qualify for some

type of financial aid.

b.Taking even a single class puts

you one step closer to your

educational goal.

c.There’s no evidence that older

students can’t learn as well as

younger ones.

d.More than 41% of the students in

college are older than 25.

e.Typically, community colleges and

career schools have an open

admissions policy.

THINK IT THROUGH Re-entry Students

Source: Adapted from Common Concerns for Adult Students,Minnesota Higher Education Services Office