Interpret bar graphs I

A bar graph uses solid bars to show and compare data. The bars can be vertical (up and down) or horizontal (side to side). The length of the bar tells you its value.

How to Read a Bar Graph: 1. Read the Title: First, look at the top to see what the graph is all about (e.g., 'Favorite Colors'). 2. Look at the Labels: Check the labels on the bottom (or side) to see what things are being compared (e.g., 'Blue', 'Red', 'Green'). This is the horizontal axis. 3. Look at the Scale: Check the numbers on the side (or bottom) to see what the bars' heights mean. The numbers count up from 0. This is the vertical axis. 4. Read the Bars: To find the value of a bar, follow its top edge across to the number on the scale. If the 'Blue' bar goes up to the number 8, it means 8 people chose blue as their favorite color.

Comparing with a Bar Graph:
*   Which is most popular? Look for the tallest bar.
*   Which is least popular? Look for the shortest bar.
*   How many more? To compare two bars, see how much taller one is than the other. You can subtract their values! If the 'Red' bar is at 5 and the 'Green' bar is at 2, then 5 - 2 = 3 more people chose red than green.

Key Idea: The taller the bar, the greater the number. Always use the scale on the side to find the exact number.

Let's analyze the graph!

Instructions: Look at the bar graph to answer the questions.

Data Snapshot: * The graph shows the favorite fruit of the class. * The X-axis (bottom) says: Apples, Bananas, Grapes. * The Y-axis (side) goes from 0 to 10. * The Apple bar goes up to the line for 3. * The Banana bar goes up to the line for 5. * The Grape bar goes up to the line for 2.

Question 1: How many students chose Apples? * Answer: ___

Question 2: Which fruit is the MOST popular? * Answer: _______

Question 3: How many MORE students chose Bananas than Grapes? * (Hint: Bananas are 5, Grapes are 2. What is 5 - 2?) * Answer: ___