Mathematics
Grade 6
15 min
Create bar graphs
Create bar graphs
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the essential components of a bar graph (title, axes, labels, scale, bars).
Organize given data into categories and frequencies suitable for a bar graph.
Choose an appropriate scale for the frequency axis based on the range of data.
Construct a vertical bar graph to represent a given dataset accurately.
Construct a horizontal bar graph to represent a given dataset accurately.
Label all parts of a bar graph clearly and correctly.
Interpret information presented in a bar graph.
Ever wonder how sports teams track wins and losses, or how stores know which toys are most popular? 🤔 They use visual tools to make sense of numbers!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to create bar graphs, powerful tools for showing comparisons between different cate...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Bar GraphA graph that uses rectangular bars to show comparisons among different categories. The bars can be vertical or horizontal.A bar graph showing the number of students who chose pizza, tacos, or burgers as their favorite lunch.
DataFacts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.The number of goals scored by different players in a soccer team is a set of data.
CategoryA distinct group or type of item being compared in the graph.In a graph showing favorite colors, 'Red', 'Blue', and 'Green' are categories.
FrequencyThe number of times a particular data value or category occurs.If 7 students chose 'Red' as their favorite color, then 7 is the frequency for the 'Red' category.
AxisA reference line...
3
Core Formulas
Rule for Choosing an Appropriate Scale
The scale on the frequency axis must start at zero and increase in equal intervals (e.g., by 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s) to cover the entire range of your data.
To choose a scale, find the largest frequency in your data. Then, select an interval (like 1, 2, 5, or 10) that allows you to reach or slightly exceed this maximum value without making the graph too tall or too short.
Rule for Labeling Axes
Both the horizontal and vertical axes must be clearly labeled to indicate what they represent, including units if applicable.
The category axis (often horizontal for vertical bar graphs) should list the names of the categories. The frequency axis (often vertical for vertical bar graphs) should be labeled with 'Frequency' or 'Number of [it...
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Challenging
A vertical bar graph shows pets owned by students. The scale is missing, but the bar for 'Dogs' is 10 cm tall and represents a frequency of 15 dogs. The bar for 'Cats' is 12 cm tall. What is the frequency for 'Cats'?
A.17
B.18
C.20
D.12
Challenging
A survey on 'Modes of Transportation to School' has these results: Walk: 28, Bus: 85, Car: 42, Bike: 15. Which scale for the frequency axis provides the best balance between being easy to read and not being overly large?
A.0, 25, 50, 75, 100
B.0, 5, 10, 15, ... 90
C.0, 50, 100
D.0, 10, 20, 30, ... 90
Challenging
For which scenario would creating a bar graph be the MOST appropriate way to display the data, compared to a line graph?
A.Comparing the number of students who prefer four different pizza toppings.
B.Showing the change in a plant's height measured every day for a month.
C.Tracking the temperature outside at different times of the day.
D.Displaying a company's profit each year for the last ten years.
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