Minds On
Types of graphs
There are many types of graphs available for representing data. Explore and analyze the following examples of a broken line graph and a circle graph.
Broken line graph
Broken line graph called “Mathville Average Temperatures, 2010-2019” depicting the average temperatures each month (highs and lows) from 2010 – 2019. The x-axis lists the months of the year starting with January. The y-axis identifies the temperature in degrees Celsius and shows a range between -10 and 30. The top line represents the high temperature. The bottom line represents the low temperatures. Data points are joined by lines, for an overall “broken line” effect. The following is the approximate data, with temperatures in degrees Celsius: January: high of 0 and low of -8, February: high of 2 and low of -6, March: high of 8 and low of 0, April: high of 15 and low of 5, May: high of 21 and low of 10, June: high of 26 and low of 16, July: high of 30 and low of 19, August: high of 28 and low of 18C, September: high of 23 and low of 15, October: high of 15 and low of 8, November: high of 9, low of 1, December: high of 3 and low of -1.
Analyzing the broken line graph
Throughout this learning activity, you can record your ideas digitally, orally, or in print. Record your responses to these questions:
- What month has the highest average temperature?
- What is the lowest average temperature?
- In which months are the average low temperatures below 10º Celsius?
- Share your thoughts regarding the following statement: “Summers in this city are usually very cold with temperatures well below 0.” (Use data from the graph to justify your response.)
Circle graph
Analyzing the circle graph
Use the method of your choice to record your answers:
- Based on this data, which genre is the favourite?
- Which two genres have the fewest votes?
- Record your thoughts regarding the following statement: “About half of the students in Grade 7 prefer animated and action films.” (Use data from the graph to justify your response.)
Action
Choosing the most appropriate graph
It’s important to choose a graph that’s suited to the data. Press the following tabs to learn the definitions of three diverse graphs.
A circle graph represents a whole divided into sections that represent the data in the form of percentages of that whole.
A histogram is similar to a bar graph in that the data is represented in columns plotted on a graph in specific intervals. With a histogram, there are no spaces between bars.
A broken line graph represents data as trends over time in the form of a line segment.
Activity
Examine following tabs to access three data tables.
For each table, decide which would be most appropriate: a circle graph, a histogram, or a broken-line graph. Be ready to justify your choice!
|
Rainfall over a 7-day period |
|
|
Monday |
12 mm |
|
Tuesday |
2 mm |
|
Wednesday |
0 mm |
|
Thursday |
15 mm |
|
Friday |
25 mm |
|
Saturday |
0 mm |
|
Sunday |
9 mm |
|
Number of flowers planted by gardeners in May |
|
|
Number of flowers |
Frequency |
|
0-60 |
10 |
|
61-120 |
20 |
|
121-180 |
31 |
|
181-240 |
18 |
|
241-300 |
8 |
|
301-360 |
2 |
|
Average time spent on classroom activities (in minutes) |
|
|
Lunch |
50 minutes |
|
Language |
75 minutes |
|
Math |
75 minutes |
|
Arts or Physical Education |
40 minutes |
|
Recess |
40 minutes |
|
Morning/End of Day routines |
30 minutes |
|
Science or Social Studies |
50 minutes |
|
Total |
6 hours (360 minutes) |
Complete Which Graph Works Best? using the following fillable organizer or using another method of your choice.
Exploring Two Situations
| Which graph works best? |
|---|
| Data set 1: Rainfall over a 7-day period |
|
Which graph is most suitable for this data set? (check one) |
|
Justify and explain your choice. |
| Data set 2: Number of flowers planted by gardeners in May |
|
Justify and explain your choice. |
| Data set 3: Average time spent on classroom activities |
|
Justify and explain your choice. |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Which Graph Works Best?
How did you do?
Press ‘Suggested answers’ to access which graph works best for which data.
- Data set 1 would be best displayed as a broken-line graph because the data is measured. It is showing changes over time (a 7-day period).
- Data Set 2 would be best displayed on a histogram because it shows frequency. There are already intervals, which would help with creating a histogram.
- Data Set 3 would be best displayed on a circle graph because the data represents parts of a whole (activities that make up a full school day).
Consolidation
Create a graph
Choose one of three data sets from the Action section, and create the appropriate graph.
|
Rainfall over a 7-day period |
|
|
Monday |
12 mm |
|
Tuesday |
2 mm |
|
Wednesday |
0 mm |
|
Thursday |
15 mm |
|
Friday |
25 mm |
|
Saturday |
0 mm |
|
Sunday |
9 mm |
|
Number of flowers planted by gardeners in May |
|
|
Number of flowers |
Frequency |
|
0-60 |
10 |
|
61-120 |
20 |
|
121-180 |
31 |
|
181-240 |
18 |
|
241-300 |
8 |
|
301-360 |
2 |
|
Average time spent on classroom activities (in minutes) |
|
|
Lunch |
50 minutes |
|
Language |
75 minutes |
|
Math |
75 minutes |
|
Arts or Physical Education |
40 minutes |
|
Recess |
40 minutes |
|
Morning/End of Day routines |
30 minutes |
|
Science or Social Studies |
50 minutes |
|
Total |
6 hours (360 minutes) |
Create the graph using a method of your choice or record a detailed description about how you would represent the data.
Remember to include a title, labels, and an appropriate scale.
If you would like, you can use TVO Mathify to plan out your graph. You can also use your notebook or the following fillable organizer.
Press the ‘TVO Mathify' button to access this interactive whiteboard and the ‘Activity’ button for your note-taking document. You will need a TVO Mathify login to access this resource.
TVO Mathify (Opens in new window) Activity (Open PDF in a new window)Reflecting on graphs
Respond to the following prompts:
- Why are some graphs more appropriate for certain data sets?
- Why is it important to include conventions (title, source, labels, and scales)?
- Which graph do you enjoy using, and why?
- Which graph would you like to explore further, and why?
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.
Connect with a TVO Mathify tutor
Think of TVO Mathify as your own personalized math coach, here to support your learning at home. Press ‘TVO Mathify’ to connect with an Ontario Certified Teacher math tutor of your choice. You will need a TVO Mathify login to access this resource.
TVO Mathify (Opens in new window)