Mathematics
Grade 6
15 min
Create double bar graphs (Tutorial only)
Create double bar graphs (Tutorial only)
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the key components of a double bar graph.
Organize given data into categories suitable for a double bar graph.
Choose an appropriate and consistent scale for the vertical axis.
Accurately label axes and create a clear legend for a double bar graph.
Construct a double bar graph from a given data set.
Interpret and compare information presented in a double bar graph.
Ever wondered how to compare two sets of related information side-by-side to see differences and similarities easily? 🤔 Let's learn how to make it super clear!
In this lesson, you'll discover how to create double bar graphs, which are powerful tools for comparing two different groups of data for the same categories. Understanding how to build and read these graphs helps us...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Bar GraphA graph that uses rectangular bars to show comparisons between different categories of data. The length or height of each bar represents the value for that category.A bar graph showing the number of students who prefer apples, bananas, or oranges.
Double Bar GraphA special type of bar graph that compares two sets of data for each category. It uses two bars side-by-side for every category to make direct comparisons easier.A double bar graph comparing the number of boys and girls who prefer apples, bananas, or oranges.
Axis (Plural: Axes)The horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis) lines that form the framework of a graph. They provide a reference for plotting data.The x-axis might list 'Favorite Fruits', and the y-axis might show 'Number of St...
3
Core Formulas
Rule for Axes and Labels
Every double bar graph must have a clearly labeled horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis), indicating what each axis represents.
The x-axis typically shows the categories being compared, while the y-axis shows the numerical values. Clear labels prevent confusion and make the graph understandable.
Rule for Scale Selection
Choose an appropriate and consistent scale for the numerical axis (y-axis) that covers the full range of your data, starting from zero.
The scale should increase in equal increments (e.g., by 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s) to ensure the graph is easy to read and accurately represents the data without distortion.
Rule for Bars and Spacing
Draw bars of equal width for each category, leaving consistent space between categories. For double ba...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A student wants to compare the allowance of two friends. Friend A gets $5 per week and Friend B gets $100 per week. Why might a standard double bar graph be a poor choice for visually comparing their weekly allowances?
A.The graph would require a legend with two entries.
B.The bar for Friend A would be so short compared to the bar for Friend B that it would be difficult to read accurately.
C.It is impossible to create a scale that includes both 5 and 100.
D.double bar graph can only be used for three or more categories.
Challenging
You need to create a graph comparing the Math test scores and Science test scores for five different students (Ali, Ben, Chloe, Dan, Eva). What is the MOST effective way to set up the axes and categories?
A.X-axis: 'Subjects' (Math, Science); Y-axis: 'Score'; Five different colors in the legend for each student.
B.X-axis: 'Student Names' (Ali, Ben, etc.); Y-axis: 'Test Score'; Legend shows which color is Math and which is Science.
C.X-axis: 'Test Score'; Y-axis: 'Student Names'; Legend shows which color is Math and which is Science.
D.X-axis: 'Student Names' (Ali, Ben, etc.); Y-axis: 'Subjects'; Legend shows the different scores.
Challenging
A graph's vertical scale is labeled: 0, 10, 20, 25, 30, 40. According to the tutorial's 'Common Pitfalls', what is the MOST significant problem this inconsistent scale creates for the viewer?
A.It makes the graph look less colorful.
B.It visually distorts the data, making the jump from 20 to 25 look the same as the jump from 30 to 40.
C.It makes it impossible to have a title for the graph.
D.It forces the bars to be drawn with unequal widths.
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