Bar graph

Definition

A bar graph is a visual representation of data using rectangular bars to show the frequency or value of different categories. The length or height of each bar is proportional to the value it represents.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bar graphs are used to compare discrete categories or groups.
2. The bars in a bar graph can be displayed either vertically or horizontally.
3. Each bar in a bar graph should be uniformly spaced for accurate comparison.
4. Bar graphs are useful for displaying categorical data, where each bar represents a distinct category.
5. The y-axis (vertical) typically shows the frequency or value, while the x-axis (horizontal) shows the categories being compared.

Review Questions

• What type of data is most appropriately represented by a bar graph?
• How does the orientation of bars in a bar graph affect its interpretation?
• Why is it important for bars in a bar graph to be uniformly spaced?

Related terms

Histogram:

A type of bar graph that represents the distribution of numerical data by showing the frequency of data intervals.

Pie Chart: A circular chart divided into sectors, each representing a proportion of the whole dataset.

Frequency Distribution:

$\text{A table that displays the number of occurrences (frequency) of different values in a dataset.}$