misleading graphs xbox.notebook

1

February 14, 2017

Misleading GraphsSome graphs can be misleading. This can be done to try and make it look like there is a greater, or smaller difference than there really is.

By showing just part of the vertical scale (y axis), the advertiser has exaggerated the difference in price from 1998 to 1999.The graph on the left, is an accurate portrayal of the housing priceas the vertical scale starts at 0 and goes up by $10,000 increments.The graph on the right, jumps from 0­$80,000, then goes up by $1,000 increments. This is called a line break.

When reading graphs it is important to look at the scale.

What are some advantages to using a line break? Disadvantages?

This makes it look like there is a big difference!

misleading graphs xbox.notebook

2

February 14, 2017

If this data representedthe sales of a used autostore, and you were reportingsales to your boss, which graph exaggerates the amount of cars sold?

misleading graphs xbox.notebook

3

February 14, 2017

Which graph is misleadingreaders to think that the gasjump was more drastic?

Same data

The one on the left starts at 0 and goes up by 0.05. The one on the right uses a line break; it starts at 68 and goes up by 2 cents.

What affect does this create?

misleading graphs xbox.notebook

4

February 14, 2017

How do we figure out the scale?

The Toughest Part of Graphing is .....

Figuring out the scale!!!

1) Do your X and Y axis. Create titles.

2) Look at your data. Identify the lowest number and heighest number (L=136.2; H=179)

3) Count the number of lines you have going up your Y axis (20).

4) Without a line break, you start at 0.

What would you have to go up by to get to 179?

Let's try 2 (well 20x2=40; that wouldn't work)

Let's try 5 (20x5=100; too small still)

Let's try 10 (20x10=200; that would work)

5) If you're using a line break, identify your smallest number (136.2). You will want to start before that. So maybe 135 or 136. There are 20 lines and you need to reach 179.

Let's try going up by 1= 136 + 20= 156; that won't work)

Let's try going up by 2= 136 + 40= 176; This might work if you have an additional 2 lines you could use. Otherwise...

Let's try going up by 3= 136 + 60= 196;

This would work

misleading graphs xbox.notebook

5

February 14, 2017

Create a double line graph on the data you were provided with on height by age and gender from Census at School.

One graph will not use a line break.

The other will use a line break.