1
2
3
4
5
A B
2003 $10,000
2004 $12,350
2005 $11,795
2006 $13,552
2007 $14,401
6 2008 $12,199
Then, we follow the remaining steps with the following result:$16,000
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
$12,000
$8,000
$4,000
$0
$2,000
$6,000
$10,000
$14,000
Other Charts and Graphs
Histograms are a tool to illustrate the distribution of numerical values. A histogram closely
resembles a column graph; the main difference is that with a histogram, instead of having
bars for distinct categories, we instead have bars that represent the number of items whose
numeric value falls within a given range. For example, a call center manager might use a
histogram like the one in Figure 16.1 to summarize the wait times for calls to the center.
Histograms are not easy to create in Microsoft Excel, and so we will not discuss how
to generate them in this text. However, it is worth seeing an example of one, as you may
encounter them at some point in your life or career.
Other charts and graphs may be useful in other specialized situations. A few moments
spent exploring the Chart menu in Excel will provide an opportunity to see some of the
other options that exist. As our purpose here is only to provide a very loose introduction,
however, we will confine our discussion to the basic types that we have already discussed.
Students who are likely to have a professional need to a more in-depth exposure to charts
and graphs should strongly consider a full semester course in statistics, if one is not already
required for their majors.90
80
70
60
50
40
FrequencyCall Center Wait Times30
20
10
0
C1
3.6 7.2 10.8 14.4 18.0 21.6
FIGURE 16.1
Sample Histogram16.1 Charts and Graphs 613Copyright © 2008, The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.