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Misleading data displays

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5382186
Water temperature at an outdoor pool: <table><tr><th>Time</th><th>Temperature in °C</th></tr><tr><td>9 a.m.</td><td>\(19\)</td></tr><tr><td>Noon</td><td>\(22\)</td></tr><tr><td>3 p.m.</td><td>\(24\)</td></tr><tr><td>6 p.m.</td><td>\(21\)</td></tr></table> The values will be displayed in a bar graph. Should the vertical axis begin at \(0\) or at \(18\) so that the differences are not exaggerated? Decide and explain.

Hints

- Examine the scale as well as the bar heights. - Check whether the starting point and maximum create a fair visual comparison.

Solution

1. Compare how the bar heights would look with each starting value. 2. If the vertical axis began at \(18\), differences of only a few degrees would take up most of the graph and appear much larger than they are. 3. Therefore, the vertical axis should begin at \(0\) to avoid exaggerating the differences.

Answer

The vertical axis should begin at \(0\). Starting at \(18\) would make small temperature differences appear much larger than they are.
5413516
The graph connects vote counts for four unrelated field-trip choices plotted in alphabetical order. A student says the rising and falling line shows a trend from one choice to the next. Explain why the claimed trend is misleading. Name a more appropriate display and explain what should remain visible in it.
Figure for problem 541351

Hints

- Ask whether moving from one category label to the next represents a measurable interval. - Consider what a connecting segment normally communicates in a graph. - Choose a display that compares categories without implying continuity.

Solution

1. The field-trip choices are categories with no meaningful numerical order or continuous interval between adjacent labels. 2. Connecting the category counts creates slopes that suggest continuous change and a trend that the data do not contain. 3. A bar graph is more appropriate because separate bars compare category frequencies without implying continuity. 4. The category labels, frequency scale, and readable bar heights should remain visible.

Answer

The connecting line falsely suggests continuous change across unordered categories. Use a bar graph with separate labeled bars and a clearly labeled frequency axis.
5413676
A pictograph key says, “One ticket symbol represents \(8\) visitors.” For one exhibit, the pictograph shows one full ticket symbol and one half-ticket symbol. Devin says the display proves that exactly \(12\) visitors chose the exhibit. Priya says the exact number cannot be determined from the key as written. Whose conclusion is justified? Explain what the key would need to state for Devin's count to be valid.

Hints

- Separate what the key explicitly defines from what a reader might assume. - Check whether the half symbol has a stated numerical meaning. - Decide what extra legend statement would make the proposed count unambiguous.

Solution

1. The key defines the value of one full ticket symbol as \(8\) visitors. 2. It does not define the value of a half-ticket symbol or say that partial symbols are proportional. 3. Therefore Priya is justified: the exact count cannot be determined from the key as written. 4. Devin's count of \(12\) would be valid if the key explicitly stated that a half-ticket represents \(4\) visitors, or more generally that partial symbols represent the corresponding fraction of \(8\).

Answer

Priya is justified. The key does not define the half-ticket symbol. Devin's count of \(12\) is valid only if the key states that a half-ticket represents \(4\) visitors (or that partial symbols are proportional).
5413966
A graph of favorite mural themes uses touching bars for the categories ocean, space, forest, and city. The caption says the continuous block of bars shows how preferences “flow” from ocean to city. Explain why touching bars are misleading for these data. Describe the conventional spacing that would better match the categories.

Hints

- Decide whether the horizontal labels are numerical intervals or distinct names. - Recall what touching bars usually communicate about neighboring values. - Match the spacing to the type of variable displayed.

Solution

1. The mural themes are separate categories with no continuous numerical intervals between them. 2. Touching bars are normally used in a histogram to show adjacent intervals of a numerical variable. 3. The touching display falsely suggests continuity and an ordered progression among the themes. 4. A bar graph with equal-width bars separated by gaps would represent the categorical counts more appropriately.

Answer

The categories are not continuous intervals, so the bars should not touch. Use separated bars with clear category labels.
5414276
Two side-by-side bar graphs compare the same three clubs in September and October. The September graph orders the bars Art, Chess, Drama. The October graph orders them Drama, Art, Chess. All bars use the same pattern, and a caption compares bars by left, middle, and right position. Explain why the positional comparison is misleading and describe a correction.

Hints

- Read the category name beneath each bar rather than relying on position. - Check whether left, middle, and right represent the same things in both displays. - Align comparable categories consistently.

Solution

1. A left-position bar represents Art in September but Drama in October, and the other positions also change categories. 2. Comparing positions therefore compares different clubs. 3. The graphs should use the same category order in both panels. 4. Distinct, consistently applied labels or patterns can further help readers match each club.

Answer

The category order changes, so matching positions do not represent matching clubs. Use the same club order and clear labels in both graphs.
5414376
A two-line graph is printed in grayscale. The legend distinguishes the lines only as “blue” and “green,” but both lines appear as the same gray solid line in the printed copy. A caption compares the two groups at several dates. Explain why the printed display is unreliable and describe a correction that does not depend on color.

Hints

- Check whether each group remains identifiable without color. - Consider how a reader matches a line to the legend. - Add a second visual feature that encodes group identity.

Solution

1. The printed lines cannot be matched reliably to the legend because their color difference disappears. 2. Readers may assign values to the wrong group. 3. Use different line patterns, such as solid and dashed, or different point markers, and name those patterns in the legend. 4. Direct labels placed beside the lines can also identify the groups.

Answer

The display relies on color that is unavailable in the printed version. Use distinct line patterns or markers with matching labels.
5414506
A pictograph uses identical book symbols to show checkout counts. One row has \(5\) symbols packed tightly, while another has \(4\) symbols separated by very large gaps, so the second row extends farther across the page. A caption says the longer row represents more checkouts. Explain why row length is misleading and describe a correction.

Hints

- Identify what feature of each symbol represents one unit of data. - Count symbols independently of the empty space between them. - Standardize layout features that should not encode values.

Solution

1. In a pictograph, frequency is encoded by the number of symbols according to the key, not by the row’s total physical length. 2. The first row represents more checkouts because it contains \(5\) symbols rather than \(4\). 3. Unequal spacing makes the row with fewer symbols look longer. 4. Use equal spacing and alignment for all symbols, and keep a clear common key.

Answer

The \(5\)-symbol row represents more checkouts. Use equal symbol spacing so row length does not contradict symbol count.
5414746
A line graph of monthly temperatures places months in alphabetical order—April, August, December, February, and so on—and connects the points. Its caption describes the line as the temperature trend through the year. Explain why the month order makes the trend misleading and describe a correction.

Hints

- Identify what adjacency on a time graph is supposed to mean. - Compare alphabetical neighbors with actual neighboring months. - Use an order that preserves elapsed time.

Solution

1. A time trend must follow chronological order. 2. Alphabetical order makes adjacent points represent months that may be far apart in time and reverses other time relationships. 3. The connected slopes therefore do not show month-to-month temperature change. 4. Place January through December in chronological order with equal spacing for equal one-month intervals.

Answer

Alphabetical month order destroys the time sequence. Reorder the x-axis chronologically from January through December.
5115586
An energy company publishes the bar graph below and says, “Emissions fell by more than half because the final bar is less than half as tall as the first bar.” Explain precisely how the y-axis creates this misleading impression. What should be changed to make the bar graph neutral?
Figure for problem 511558

Hints

- Compare where the bars begin with the numerical value \(0\). - Bar length, not just the top endpoint, is supposed to encode magnitude. - Ask how much of each bar is hidden below the displayed y-axis minimum.

Solution

1. The y-axis begins at \(92\) tons instead of \(0\), so the visible bar heights are measured only above \(92\). 2. The visible height for Year 1 is \(100-92=8\) units, while the visible height for Year 3 is \(95-92=3\) units. 3. Because \(3\) is less than half of \(8\), the truncated axis makes the change look much larger than the actual decrease from \(100\) to \(95\) tons. 4. A neutral bar graph should begin the y-axis at \(0\) so bar lengths represent the values from a common zero baseline.

Answer

The y-axis is truncated at \(92\) tons, which exaggerates the visual difference. Start the y-axis at \(0\) tons so the bar lengths use a common zero baseline.
5142646
A gardener measured rainfall on five consecutive days. <table> <tr><td><b>Day</b></td><td><b>Rainfall (inches)</b></td></tr> <tr><td>Monday</td><td>\(0.4\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Tuesday</td><td>\(0\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Wednesday</td><td>\(1.0\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Thursday</td><td>\(0.6\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Friday</td><td>\(0.5\)</td></tr> </table> a) Find the mean daily rainfall for these five days. b) Which y-axis range would display all the values clearly without wasting unnecessary space? Briefly justify your choice. - Range A: \(0\) to \(10\) inches - Range B: \(0\) to \(1.2\) inches - Range C: \(0.5\) to \(1.0\) inches

Hints

- Add the five measurements and divide by \(5\). - Identify the smallest and largest measurements. - A useful axis includes all values while keeping differences easy to see.

Solution

1. The total rainfall is \(0.4+0+1.0+0.6+0.5=2.5\) inches. 2. The mean is \(2.5\div5=0.5\) inch per day. 3. Range A is much larger than the data and would make the bars difficult to compare. 4. Range C cannot show the values \(0\) and \(0.4\). 5. Range B includes every value from \(0\) through \(1.0\) and uses the graph space effectively.

Answer

a) \(0.5\) inch per day b) Range B, from \(0\) to \(1.2\) inches, because it includes all data values and gives a readable scale.
5319356
A class survey asked students about their favorite free-time activities. Students could choose more than one activity. A student displayed the results in a circle graph. a) Find the sum of all percentages shown. Explain why a circle graph is not appropriate for data from a multiple-response survey. b) The sectors were drawn in proportion to the listed percentages, whose total is \(150\%\). What fraction of the entire circle does the Sports sector actually occupy? Write the fraction in simplest form.
Figure for problem 531935

Hints

- Add all percentages in the graph. - A complete circle normally represents \(100\%\). - For part b), compare the Sports value with the total of all displayed values. - Simplify the resulting fraction.

Solution

1. The percentages total \(50\%+35\%+45\%+20\%=150\%\). 2. A circle graph represents one whole, or \(100\%\). Because students could choose multiple activities, the percentages exceed \(100\%\), so the sectors cannot represent the stated percentages as parts of one whole. 3. In the drawn graph, Sports has \(50\) parts out of a total of \(150\), so it occupies \(\frac{50}{150}=\frac{1}{3}\) of the circle.

Answer

a) \(150\%\). A circle graph is inappropriate because multiple responses make the total exceed \(100\%\), while a circle represents exactly one whole. b) \(\frac{1}{3}\)
5350796
A sixth-grade class completed an interest survey about new after-school clubs. Students could select every club that interested them, so multiple responses were allowed. The bar graph shows the results. a) What percent of the students were interested in the soccer club? b) Find the sum of the percentages for all five bars. Why is the sum greater than \(100\%\)? c) The class has \(40\) students. How many selected the theater club? d) During final registration, \(18\) students choose robotics but only \(12\) choose soccer. Explain why this does not necessarily contradict the survey.
Figure for problem 535079

Hints

- Read the soccer bar from the y-axis. - Add all five percentages and consider the effect of allowing multiple selections. - Find \(35\%\) of \(40\) for the theater club. - Distinguish an expression of interest from a final commitment.

Solution

1. The soccer bar shows \(55\%\). 2. The percentages total \(40\%+35\%+55\%+20\%+10\%=160\%\). The total exceeds \(100\%\) because each student could select more than one club. 3. Theater was selected by \(35\%\) of \(40\), or \(0.35\times40=14\) students. 4. The survey measured nonbinding interest, while registration records final choices. Students may change their minds, and schedules, capacity limits, or other conditions may affect enrollment.

Answer

a) \(55\%\) b) \(160\%\). The sum is greater than \(100\%\) because multiple responses were allowed. c) \(14\) students d) Interest survey responses and final registrations measure different decisions, so the totals may differ.
5351036
The two graphs show the daily electricity production of a wind turbine over one week in megawatt-hours (\(\text{MWh}\)). a) Read each daily value from Graph 1. On which day was production highest, and on which day was it lowest? b) In which graph do the day-to-day differences appear larger? Explain how the y-axis scales create this effect. c) Find the mean daily electricity production for the week.
Figure for problem 535103

Hints

- Compare the y-axis maximum in each graph. - The data values are identical in both graphs. - Add all seven daily values before dividing by \(7\).

Solution

1. The values are Monday, \(12\,\text{MWh}\); Tuesday, \(16\,\text{MWh}\); Wednesday, \(13\,\text{MWh}\); Thursday, \(15\,\text{MWh}\); Friday, \(11\,\text{MWh}\); Saturday, \(17\,\text{MWh}\); Sunday, \(14\,\text{MWh}\). 2. Production was highest on Saturday and lowest on Friday. 3. The differences appear larger in Graph 1 because its y-axis ends at \(20\,\text{MWh}\). The same differences occupy a much smaller part of Graph 2, whose y-axis ends at \(80\,\text{MWh}\). 4. The weekly total is \(12+16+13+15+11+17+14=98\,\text{MWh}\). The mean is \(98\div7=14\,\text{MWh}\) per day.

Answer

a) Monday: \(12\); Tuesday: \(16\); Wednesday: \(13\); Thursday: \(15\); Friday: \(11\); Saturday: \(17\); Sunday: \(14\), all in \(\text{MWh}\). Highest: Saturday; lowest: Friday. b) Graph 1, because its y-axis has a much smaller range. c) \(14\,\text{MWh}\) per day
5412706
The two bar-chart panels compare attendance at two clubs. Panel a) reports a count, and panel b) reports a percentage. A caption says, “The taller bar shows the more popular club.” Explain why the caption can lead to a misleading comparison. State how the display could be redesigned so bar heights can be compared fairly.
Figure for problem 541270

Hints

- Check the unit attached to each set of bars before comparing heights. - Decide whether equal vertical distances represent equal quantities throughout the graph. - Think about how one shared scale could make the comparison meaningful.

Solution

1. The two bars use different quantities and different scales: one shows a number of students, while the other shows a percentage of members. 2. A taller bar in one panel does not necessarily represent a larger or more popular club than a shorter bar in the other panel. 3. A fair redesign would show both clubs using the same quantity and one common scale, such as percentages for both clubs.

Answer

The caption is misleading because a bar measured in students cannot be compared directly with a bar measured in percent. The display should use one common unit and one common scale for both clubs.
5412746
A fundraiser displays this running total of donated books: <table> <tr><th>Day</th><th>Running total of books</th></tr> <tr><td>Monday</td><td>\(12\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Tuesday</td><td>\(30\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Wednesday</td><td>\(35\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Thursday</td><td>\(55\)</td></tr> <tr><td>Friday</td><td>\(59\)</td></tr> </table> A caption says, “The number of books donated each day increased throughout the week.” Determine the actual number donated each day and evaluate the caption.

Hints

- Distinguish the amount added on one day from the total accumulated by that day. - Use consecutive totals to recover each later day’s contribution. - Compare the recovered daily amounts, not the running totals.

Solution

1. Monday’s daily donation is the first running total, \(12\) books. 2. Tuesday’s donation is \(30-12=18\) books. 3. Wednesday’s donation is \(35-30=5\) books. 4. Thursday’s donation is \(55-35=20\) books. 5. Friday’s donation is \(59-55=4\) books. 6. The daily amounts are \(12, 18, 5, 20, 4\), which do not increase throughout the week. The running total rises because donations accumulate, not because each day’s donation rises.

Answer

Monday: \(12\) books Tuesday: \(18\) books Wednesday: \(5\) books Thursday: \(20\) books Friday: \(4\) books The caption is misleading. A rising running total does not show that the amount added each day is rising.
5412766
The diagram uses three-dimensional bars to compare \(12\), \(13\), and \(14\) completed projects. Explain two ways the perspective can mislead a reader and describe a fair redesign.
Figure for problem 541276

Hints

- Separate the numerical height of each bar from its apparent size on the page. - Think about which edges are easy or difficult to line up with scale marks. - Remove decorative features that do not represent data.

Solution

1. The bar for \(12\) projects is drawn with the widest front face, so it can look largest even though it represents the smallest value. 2. The added depth and slanted edges make the bars' apparent area and volume compete with their heights, so the small numerical differences are hard to compare accurately. 3. A fair redesign is a flat two-dimensional bar graph with equal-width bars, one common baseline, and a clearly labeled scale.

Answer

Perspective makes the \(12\)-project bar look widest and adds apparent area and volume that do not represent the data. Use equal-width two-dimensional bars on one common baseline and scale.
5412926
The circle graph labels category A as \(50\%\), category B as \(25\%\), and category C as \(25\%\). Determine which sectors are drawn correctly. Give the correct angle for every category and explain why the graph is misleading.
Figure for problem 541292

Hints

- Connect each percentage to its share of a full circle. - Equal percentages should produce equal sector angles. - Check the numerical labels and the drawn areas separately.

Solution

1. Category A should have angle \(0.50\times360^\circ=180^\circ\), so A is correct. 2. Category B should have angle \(0.25\times360^\circ=90^\circ\), not \(120^\circ\). 3. Category C should also have angle \(90^\circ\), not \(60^\circ\). 4. The labels total \(100\%\), but the drawn areas do not match those percentages, so the picture distorts the sizes of B and C.

Answer

A is correct at \(180^\circ\). B and C should each be \(90^\circ\). The graph is misleading because the sector areas do not match the labeled percentages.
5413046
A map shades neighborhoods from pale blue to dark blue and states, “Darker neighborhoods have much more tree cover.” The map provides no legend, no numerical ranges, and no labels besides neighborhood names. Explain why the display cannot support the statement clearly. Describe two additions that would make the map more informative and less misleading.

Hints

- Ask what quantity each visual category is supposed to represent. - Check whether a reader can determine the size of a difference from the display. - Consider accessibility for readers who cannot distinguish the colors.

Solution

1. Without a legend, readers do not know what numerical tree-cover values the shades represent. 2. The phrase “much more” cannot be judged because the size of the differences between shades is unknown. 3. A useful revision should add labeled numerical intervals or percentages for every shade. 4. It should also add patterns or printed values so the categories can be distinguished without relying on color alone.

Answer

The map is ambiguous because the shades have no defined numerical meaning, so “much more” cannot be evaluated. Add a legend with labeled tree-cover ranges and use printed values or patterns in addition to color.
5413186
The graphic compares two increases. The first quantity rose from \(40\) to \(50\) items, while the second rose from \(200\) to \(220\) items. A caption says, “The increases are equal.” Explain why the display is misleading and give two fair ways to compare the changes.
Figure for problem 541318

Hints

- Identify the unit represented by each bar. - Express both changes as counts, then express both as percentages. - Equal visual heights should correspond to equal quantities measured in the same unit.

Solution

1. The first increase is \(10\) items, which is \(\frac{10}{40}=25\%\). 2. The second increase is \(20\) items, which is \(\frac{20}{200}=10\%\). 3. The equal-height bars compare different units: one bar represents a count and the other a percent. 4. A fair count comparison would show \(10\) items and \(20\) items. A fair percent comparison would show \(25\%\) and \(10\%\).

Answer

The bars compare unlike units. In counts, the changes are \(10\) and \(20\) items. In percents, the changes are \(25\%\) and \(10\%\). Use one of those common units for both bars.
5413226
A sponsor publishes the circle graph below with the caption, “Sponsor A clearly dominates the results.” One slice also contains the decorative word “WINNER.” Does the numerical display support the claim that Sponsor A clearly dominates? Explain which visible features encode data and which feature is only decoration. Give a fairer caption.
Figure for problem 541322

Hints

- Compare the two largest percentages before judging the caption. - Ask which visual features change when the numerical values change. - Separate information encoded by sector size from words added for emphasis.

Solution

1. Sponsor A has \(31\%\) and Sponsor B has \(29\%\), a difference of only \(2\) percentage points. 2. The sector angles and printed percentages encode the data because their sizes correspond to the category shares. 3. The word “WINNER” is decorative emphasis; it does not represent an additional amount of data. 4. The graph supports only a small lead for Sponsor A, not a claim of clear domination. 5. A fair caption is, “Sponsor A had the largest share at \(31\%\), narrowly ahead of Sponsor B at \(29\%\).”

Answer

No. Sponsor A leads Sponsor B by only \(2\) percentage points. The sector angles and percentages encode the data; “WINNER” is decoration. A fair caption would say that Sponsor A had a narrow lead, \(31\%\) to \(29\%\).
5413256
A report uses the bar shown to summarize the wait times \(2, 3, 4, 5, 31\) minutes. The value \(4\) is the median, but the report never states which measure of center it used. Find the mean and median. Explain why the label “average” is misleading here and write a precise replacement label.
Figure for problem 541325

Hints

- Calculate the two common measures of center separately. - Compare the displayed value with each measure. - Replace a vague statistical term with the exact name of the measure used.

Solution

1. The median is the middle ordered value, \(4\) minutes. 2. The mean is \((2+3+4+5+31)\div5=45\div5=9\) minutes. 3. The word “average” is ambiguous because it can be read as the mean, yet the plotted value is the median and the two measures differ greatly. 4. A precise label is “Median wait: \(4\) minutes.”

Answer

Mean \(9\) minutes; median \(4\) minutes. Replace the label with “Median wait: \(4\) minutes.”
5413296
Graphs A and B show the same weekly increase from \(20\) to \(25\) participants using the same numerical values and scales. Find the actual percent increase and explain why the different graph shapes can influence a reader’s impression.
Figure for problem 541329

Hints

- Calculate the change from the numerical values rather than judging the line angle. - Compare the physical dimensions of the plotting areas. - Separate data scaling from page layout.

Solution

1. The numerical increase is \(25-20=5\) participants. 2. The percent increase is \(\frac{5}{20}\times100\%=25\%\). 3. Changing the chart’s height-to-width ratio changes the visual angle of the same line. 4. A narrow, tall graph can make the change appear more dramatic even though the data and scales are identical. 5. A fair comparison should use consistent chart dimensions or state the numerical change prominently.

Answer

The actual increase is \(25\%\). Graph B looks steeper because its aspect ratio stretches vertical change relative to horizontal change, not because the data differ.
5413376
The bar graph compares total reading time for two groups. Group A has \(20\) students, and Group B has \(30\) students. The graph is captioned, “Students in Group B read more.” Evaluate the caption if it is meant to compare a typical student. Describe a fairer graph.
Figure for problem 541337

Hints

- Check whether the groups contain the same number of people. - Convert each total to a per-person quantity. - Match the graphed quantity to the wording “students ... read more.”

Solution

1. Group A’s average is \(600\div20=30\) minutes per student. 2. Group B’s average is \(720\div30=24\) minutes per student. 3. Group B has the larger total because it has more students, but a typical Group A student read longer. 4. A fair graph for the caption’s intended comparison should display minutes per student, with bars at \(30\) and \(24\).

Answer

The caption is misleading for a per-student comparison. Group A averaged \(30\) minutes per student, and Group B averaged \(24\). Graph the per-student averages instead of the group totals.
5413416
The graph shows an equipment failure rate before and after a change. Its caption says, “The failure rate decreased by \(5\%\).” Explain why the caption is ambiguous or misleading. State both the percentage-point decrease and the percent decrease.
Figure for problem 541341

Hints

- First find the direct difference between the two percentage values. - Then compare that difference with the original rate. - Use precise wording to distinguish the two kinds of change.

Solution

1. The difference between the rates is \(10\%-5\%=5\) percentage points. 2. Relative to the original \(10\%\), the decrease is \(\frac{10\%-5\%}{10\%}=0.50=50\%\). 3. Saying only “decreased by \(5\%\)” can be mistaken for a \(5\%\) relative decrease rather than a drop of \(5\) percentage points.

Answer

The rate decreased by \(5\) percentage points, which is a \(50\%\) decrease from the original rate.
5413466
A reader looks at the line graph and says, “The reservoir level changed by hundreds of feet because the first and last points are far apart vertically.” Evaluate the claim. State the actual change from the first point to the last, explain what feature of the graph can create the exaggerated impression, and give one way to correct the display.
Figure for problem 541346

Hints

- Use the labels attached to the first and last plotted points to find the actual change. - Compare that numerical change with how much vertical space the graph uses. - Ask what scale information a reader would need in order to interpret the vertical distance correctly.

Solution

1. The labeled values are \(995\) feet and \(1005\) feet at the first and last points. 2. The actual change is \(1005-995=10\) feet, not hundreds of feet. 3. The graph uses a magnified vertical scale around the data values, but the y-axis numerical labels are hidden, so the amount of magnification is not clear to the reader. 4. Show the y-axis numerical scale clearly and make any shortened nonzero scale explicit, for example with a clearly labeled starting value and an axis-break mark or note.

Answer

The actual increase is \(10\,\text{ft}\). The graph magnifies a small change while hiding the numerical y-axis scale, which can exaggerate the visual impression. Show the y-axis numbers clearly and explicitly mark any shortened nonzero scale.
5413556
The two same-size circle graphs each show the share of students who chose the school musical. School A surveyed \(60\) students, while School B surveyed \(100\) students. A caption says, “The equal half-circles prove that the same number of students chose the musical at both schools.” Explain the error and give the two actual counts.
Figure for problem 541355

Hints

- Identify what a sector’s fraction of a circle represents. - Use each graph’s own survey total. - Compare the resulting counts, not just the sector shapes.

Solution

1. Equal sectors in separate circle graphs represent equal relative frequencies, not necessarily equal counts. 2. At School A, \(50\%\) of \(60\) is \(0.5\times60=30\) students. 3. At School B, \(50\%\) of \(100\) is \(0.5\times100=50\) students. 4. The identical-looking sectors hide the different group totals.

Answer

School A had \(30\) students and School B had \(50\) students choose the musical. Equal sectors show equal percentages, not equal counts.
5413636
A graph places monthly rainfall on the left y-axis from \(0\) to \(4\) inches and umbrella sales on the right y-axis from \(0\) to \(200\) umbrellas. The two scales are chosen so the lines nearly overlap. A caption says, “Rainfall and umbrella sales were almost equal each month.” Explain why the overlapping lines do not support the caption. What comparison could the graph support instead?

Hints

- Read the units and tick values on both vertical axes. - Ask what it means for two plotted heights to match when each uses a different scale. - Distinguish a similar pattern from equal numerical values.

Solution

1. Rainfall and umbrella sales use different units and different numerical scales. 2. The lines overlap because the two axes were scaled separately, not because the quantities are equal. 3. The display may support a statement that the two quantities rose and fell in a similar pattern over time. 4. It cannot support numerical equality between inches of rain and numbers of umbrellas.

Answer

Separate y-axes can make different quantities overlap by design. The graph may show similar month-to-month patterns, but it does not show that rainfall amounts and umbrella counts were equal.
5413726
The bar graph correctly shows three category counts. However, the bar for the largest count is drawn three times as wide as each other bar. A reader says that category appears to be about three times as large. Explain why the display is misleading and describe how to repair it.
Figure for problem 541372

Hints

- Identify which dimension is supposed to encode the data. - Compare the actual values with the visual area of the bars. - Remove any size difference that does not represent a numerical variable.

Solution

1. In a bar graph, the numerical value is encoded by bar height, not by bar area. 2. Making one bar wider gives it much more visual area even though its count is only slightly greater. 3. The actual ratio of the largest count to the smallest is \(\frac{24}{20}=1.2\), not about \(3\). 4. All bars should have equal width and equal spacing so only height represents the category count.

Answer

The extra width exaggerates the \(24\) category. Use equal-width, equally spaced bars; the largest count is only \(1.2\) times the smallest.
5413776
The bar display rounds every attendance value to the nearest \(0.1\) million. Its caption says, “The two events had exactly the same attendance.” Explain why the caption is not supported. Give two different attendance values that would both round to \(1.2\) million.
Figure for problem 541377

Hints

- Determine what information is lost when values are rounded. - Find two nearby values on opposite sides of the displayed rounded value. - Match the precision of a claim to the precision of the data shown.

Solution

1. Rounded labels hide differences smaller than \(0.1\) million. 2. For example, \(1.16\) million and \(1.24\) million both round to \(1.2\) million to the nearest tenth of a million. 3. Equal rounded labels show only that both values fall in the same rounding interval, not that the original values are equal. 4. The display should provide more precise labels before making an exact-equality claim.

Answer

The caption is unsupported because rounding can hide a difference. For example, \(1.16\) million and \(1.24\) million both display as \(1.2\) million.
5413826
A survey offered four badge designs. The bar graph shows the reported results, but it leaves out Design C, which received \(0\) votes. The graph is titled “The three badge designs offered.” Explain why omitting a zero-frequency category is misleading in this situation. Describe a correction.
Figure for problem 541382

Hints

- Distinguish “not observed” from “not offered.” - Consider what information a labeled position with no bar would communicate. - Make the graph’s title agree with all categories in the survey.

Solution

1. Design C was an offered category even though no one selected it. 2. Omitting it and changing the title makes readers think only three designs were available. 3. A zero-height bar communicates both the existence of the category and its frequency of \(0\). 4. The graph should include Design C with a labeled zero-height position and state that four designs were offered.

Answer

The omission hides an available choice and changes the meaning of the survey. Include Design C as a labeled category with frequency \(0\).
5413876
The line graph plots visitor counts on January \(1\), January \(2\), and January \(10\). The three dates are placed at equal horizontal spacing. A caption says, “Visitor counts increased at a constant daily rate.” Explain why the time scale makes the caption misleading. Compare the two daily rates.
Figure for problem 541387

Hints

- Find the elapsed time between each pair of dates. - Compare change per day rather than change per plotted segment. - A time axis should represent equal time lengths with equal distances.

Solution

1. From January \(1\) to January \(2\), the increase is \(10\) visitors over \(1\) day, or \(10\) visitors per day. 2. From January \(2\) to January \(10\), the increase is \(10\) visitors over \(8\) days, or \(10\div8=1.25\) visitors per day. 3. Equal horizontal spacing falsely represents the unequal time intervals as equal. 4. The dates should be positioned according to the actual elapsed days.

Answer

The rates are \(10\) visitors per day and \(1.25\) visitors per day, so they are not constant. The x-axis must space dates according to elapsed time.
5413996
Two neighborhood maps use the same shades to show traffic counts. On Map A, the darkest shade means more than \(50\) vehicles. On Map B, the darkest shade means more than \(100\) vehicles. The maps are placed side by side, and a caption says all darkest areas have equal traffic. Explain why the comparison is misleading and describe a fair correction.

Hints

- Read the numerical meaning of each shade on both displays. - Decide whether matching visual marks encode matching quantities. - Comparable displays need a common scale.

Solution

1. The same shade represents different numerical ranges on the two maps. 2. A darkest area on Map A could have far fewer vehicles than a darkest area on Map B. 3. Matching colors therefore do not represent matching values. 4. Both maps should use one shared numerical legend, or each area should display its count so comparisons use a common scale.

Answer

The maps use inconsistent color scales. Use the same numerical intervals and one shared legend for both maps.
5414066
The bar graph’s y-axis is labeled “Visitors, in thousands.” The bar also has a data label printed on top. A reader interprets the bar as \(2{,}500{,}000\) visitors. Explain the unit conflict and give two consistent ways to label the value correctly.
Figure for problem 541406

Hints

- Determine what one unit on the vertical scale represents. - Check whether the printed data label uses that same unit. - Make the tick labels, axis title, and data labels follow one convention.

Solution

1. On an axis measured in thousands, a height of \(2.5\) represents \(2.5\) thousand, or \(2500\), visitors. 2. Printing \(2500\) on the bar while retaining “in thousands” can make readers multiply by \(1000\) twice. 3. One correction is to label the bar \(2.5\) and keep the axis unit “in thousands.” 4. Another correction is to label the bar \(2500\) and change the axis to ordinary visitor counts with ticks such as \(0,1000,2000,3000\).

Answer

Use either \(2.5\) with an “in thousands” axis or \(2500\) with an axis in individual visitors. Do not mix the two formats.
5414106
Students could select every activity they enjoyed. Explain why the displayed circle graph is misleading and name a better display.
Figure for problem 541410

Hints

- Check whether one person can contribute to multiple categories. - Add the displayed percentages. - Use a display that does not require categories to form one whole.

Solution

1. Students could appear in more than one category, so the categories are not exclusive parts of one whole. 2. The percentages total \(60\%+50\%+40\%=150\%\), which cannot be represented as sectors totaling one circle. 3. A separate bar for each activity can show each selection rate without implying that the categories partition the students.

Answer

The overlapping categories total \(150\%\), so they cannot form one circle. Use a bar graph of the three activity percentages.
5414146
A shaded county map uses darker color for a greater number of residents who visited a public pool. County A had \(800\) visitors among \(4000\) residents. County B had \(1200\) visitors among \(12{,}000\) residents. The caption says County B residents were more likely to visit because its raw count was larger. Explain why the conclusion is misleading. Compare the visitor rates.

Hints

- Compare each visitor count with its county population. - Separate “more people” from “greater proportion of people.” - Match the mapped quantity to the wording of the conclusion.

Solution

1. County A’s visitor rate is \(\frac{800}{4000}=0.20=20\%\). 2. County B’s visitor rate is \(\frac{1200}{12000}=0.10=10\%\). 3. County B has more visitors because it has a larger population, but its proportion of residents visiting is lower. 4. A map supporting a likelihood claim should shade by visitor rate, not raw visitor count.

Answer

County A’s rate is \(20\%\), and County B’s rate is \(10\%\). County A residents were more likely to visit, so the raw-count shading does not support the caption.
5414186
A shaded map uses only two categories: light for \(0\)–\(49\) reports and dark for \(50\)–\(100\) reports. Town X has \(49\) reports and Town Y has \(50\), so they appear in sharply different shades. A caption says Town Y had “far more” reports. Explain why the display overstates the difference and describe an improvement.

Hints

- Calculate the numerical difference before judging the colors. - Check where the category boundary falls relative to the two values. - Use a display that preserves small numerical differences as small visual differences.

Solution

1. The actual difference is \(50-49=1\) report. 2. The category boundary places the two nearly equal values in visually opposite groups. 3. The strong shade contrast makes a one-report difference appear large. 4. Show the exact values, use more and narrower numerical intervals, or use a bar graph with a common scale.

Answer

The towns differ by only \(1\) report. The two-bin color scheme exaggerates a boundary crossing; show exact values or use a finer common scale.
5414236
The two \(100\%\) stacked bars show the compositions of two batches. In each bar, the shaded portion represents light items. Batch A contains \(40\) items, and Batch B contains \(100\) items. A caption says, “The equal shaded segments show both batches contain the same number of light items.” Explain the error and find the light-item counts.
Figure for problem 541423

Hints

- Identify what the shaded portion represents before using the normalized bars. - Apply the common percentage to each batch's own total. - Distinguish equal composition from equal frequency.

Solution

1. A \(100\%\) stacked bar shows composition, so every bar has the same total length regardless of group size. 2. Batch A has \(0.60\times40=24\) light items. 3. Batch B has \(0.60\times100=60\) light items. 4. Equal segment proportions do not imply equal counts when the batch totals differ.

Answer

Batch A has \(24\) light items, and Batch B has \(60\). The equal shaded segments show equal percentages, not equal counts.
5414326
No February data were collected. A caption under the line graph states, “Exactly \(20\) repairs occurred in February.” Explain why the graph does not support the caption. Describe how the missing month should be shown.
Figure for problem 541432

Hints

- Separate plotted observations from values implied between points. - Check whether the caption claims measurement or estimation. - Use a visual convention that makes missing data visible.

Solution

1. The line segment connects two observed values but does not create an observed February value. 2. The crossing at \(20\) is an interpolation based on a straight-line assumption. 3. Actual February repairs could have been different, and no data were collected to verify the value. 4. The graph should mark February as missing, leave a gap, or use a dashed segment clearly labeled as an estimate.

Answer

The value \(20\) is only an implied estimate, not observed data. Show February as missing or label any dashed interpolation as an estimate.
5414416
Attendance was \(100\) in January and \(60\) in August. The displayed graph is titled “Attendance Increased Throughout the Year.” Explain why the selected time window and title are misleading. Describe a fair correction.
Figure for problem 541441

Hints

- Compare the time period named in the title with the period plotted. - Use the omitted beginning and displayed ending values. - Make the graph window and conclusion refer to the same interval.

Solution

1. The displayed months show an increase, but the omitted January-through-August data show a larger earlier decrease. 2. The title applies the short displayed trend to the entire year. 3. Attendance ended at \(90\), below the January value of \(100\), so it did not increase throughout the year. 4. Show all twelve months on one consistent time axis or title the graph specifically as the September-to-December increase.

Answer

The graph cherry-picks the rising part of the year and hides the earlier decline. Display all months or limit the title to the period actually shown.
5414456
The display shows three category counts. A caption says the categories are nearly equal. Explain why the display is misleading and describe how to redraw it for a fair comparison.
Figure for problem 541445

Hints

- Compare where each bar begins as well as where it ends. - A bar's value should be represented by its length from a common baseline. - Ask what would happen if all three bars started at \(0\).

Solution

1. The three bars all end at the same horizontal position, but they do not begin at the same position. 2. Their lengths represent \(30\), \(40\), and \(50\), even though their right endpoints all line up at \(60\). 3. Comparing only the aligned endpoints therefore makes unequal counts look nearly equal. 4. Redraw all three bars from a common zero baseline on one consistent horizontal scale.

Answer

The bars use different starting points, so their aligned right endpoints hide different lengths of \(30\), \(40\), and \(50\). Start every bar at \(0\) on the same scale.
5414546
A survey of \(100\) people recorded \(40\) “yes,” \(30\) “no,” and \(30\) “no opinion” responses. The displayed graph removes the “no opinion” group. Its caption says, “\(57\%\) of all respondents said yes.” Explain the misleading denominator and state the correct percentage of all respondents who said yes.
Figure for problem 541454

Hints

- Identify which responses remain in the graph’s total. - Match the denominator to the population named in the caption. - Compare the reduced-group rate with the whole-survey rate.

Solution

1. After removing “no opinion,” the graph uses only \(40+30=70\) opinion responses. 2. The displayed \(57\%\) comes from \(\frac{40}{70}\approx57.1\%\). 3. The caption claims a percentage of all \(100\) respondents, which requires denominator \(100\). 4. The correct overall percentage is \(\frac{40}{100}=40\%\). 5. The graph must label its reduced denominator clearly or include all three categories.

Answer

The \(57\%\) uses only respondents who expressed an opinion. Of all respondents, \(40\%\) said yes.
5414586
A survey asked \(100\) people to choose exactly one rating from \(1\) through \(4\). The bar chart is titled “Percentage Giving Each Rating.” Is that title consistent with the four bar heights? Explain what the bars actually appear to represent. Then recover the percentage that gave each separate rating.
Figure for problem 541458

Hints

- Because each person chose exactly one rating, separate category percentages must add to \(100\%\). - Look at whether each successive bar can be interpreted as including earlier ratings. - Recover separate categories by finding the increase from one running total to the next.

Solution

1. If the bars represented four separate, mutually exclusive rating percentages, their percentages would total \(100\%\). 2. The displayed heights are \(20\%,55\%,85\%,100\%\), which total more than \(100\%\), so they cannot be separate-category percentages. 3. The heights form running totals: \(20\%\) gave rating \(1\) or below, \(55\%\) gave rating \(2\) or below, \(85\%\) gave rating \(3\) or below, and \(100\%\) gave rating \(4\) or below. 4. The separate percentages are successive differences: rating \(1\): \(20\%\); rating \(2\): \(55\%-20\%=35\%\); rating \(3\): \(85\%-55\%=30\%\); rating \(4\): \(100\%-85\%=15\%\). 5. A correct title is “Cumulative Percentage at or Below Each Rating.”

Answer

The title is misleading. The bars are cumulative percentages, not separate-category percentages. Separate ratings: rating \(1\): \(20\%\); rating \(2\): \(35\%\); rating \(3\): \(30\%\); rating \(4\): \(15\%\). A suitable title is “Cumulative Percentage at or Below Each Rating.”
5414836
The display is labeled as a histogram. Its three bars have equal physical widths, but their interval labels are \(0\) to less than \(5\), \(5\) to less than \(10\), and \(10\) to less than \(30\). Explain why the horizontal scale is misleading and describe a Grade-6-appropriate correction.
Figure for problem 541483

Hints

- Calculate the numerical width of each labeled interval. - Compare those numerical widths with the physical widths of the bars. - Keep equal horizontal distances tied to equal changes in the measured variable.

Solution

1. The first two numerical intervals each have width \(5\), while the third has width \(20\). 2. Drawing all three bars with equal physical widths makes equal horizontal distances represent unequal numerical changes. 3. For a Grade 6 frequency histogram, use equal-width numerical intervals, such as consecutive intervals of width \(5\), and recompute the frequencies for those bins.

Answer

The third interval covers \(20\) units while each other interval covers only \(5\), yet all bars are drawn equally wide. Use equal-width bins, such as intervals of width \(5\), and recompute the frequencies.
5414936
A bar graph’s y-axis shows only \(0\) at the bottom and \(60\) at the top. Eleven equally spaced gridlines appear between them, but none are labeled. A caption claims one bar represents exactly \(37\) units based only on its visual height. Explain why the exact claim is not supported and describe a correction.

Hints

- Identify which numerical values are explicitly readable from the axis. - Compare the caption’s precision with the display’s resolution. - Add labels that make exact values verifiable rather than guessed.

Solution

1. The unlabeled gridlines make the intended tick values unclear to a reader. 2. Even if equal spacing suggests \(5\) units per interval, a bar not ending exactly on a gridline cannot be read as exactly \(37\) without a data label or finer scale. 3. The caption states more precision than the display provides. 4. Label the tick values and place an exact value label on the bar, or state only an appropriately rounded estimate.

Answer

The graph does not provide enough labeled precision to justify exactly \(37\). Add labeled ticks and an exact data label, or use an estimated value.
5414986
A report places the two statements in one circle graph as if they were parts of the same whole. Explain why the circle graph is misleading. Describe a display that would support a fair comparison.
Figure for problem 541498

Hints

- Identify the whole used by each percentage. - Decide whether the two statements divide one common population into exclusive parts. - Choose a display that keeps the two group denominators visible.

Solution

1. The \(60\%\) uses the surveyed boys as its whole, while the \(40\%\) uses the surveyed girls as its whole. 2. The percentages therefore have different denominators and are not complementary parts of one group. 3. A circle graph requires categories that divide one common whole. 4. Separate or grouped bars labeled with each percentage and each group size would make the denominators clear.

Answer

The graph combines percentages based on different groups, so its sectors are not parts of one whole. Use separate or grouped bars with the percentages and sample sizes labeled.
5415066
A soil-moisture map uses these legend labels: \(0\)–\(10\), \(10\)–\(20\), and \(20\)–\(30\) Each endpoint is shown as included, so a moisture reading of \(10\) or \(20\) fits two categories. Explain why this display is misleading and rewrite the intervals so every reading from \(0\) through \(30\) belongs to exactly one category.

Hints

- Test values that lie exactly on the displayed boundaries. - A complete legend should neither overlap nor leave gaps. - Decide which neighboring interval owns each shared endpoint.

Solution

1. The displayed categories overlap at \(10\) and \(20\), so those readings do not have unique classifications. 2. A valid set of nonoverlapping intervals is \(0\leq m<10\), \(10\leq m<20\), and \(20\leq m\leq30\). 3. The revised intervals cover the full stated range and assign every possible reading to exactly one category.

Answer

The original legend is ambiguous at \(10\) and \(20\). One valid correction is \(0\leq m<10\), \(10\leq m<20\), and \(20\leq m\leq30\).
5415086
The bar graph compares average temperatures in two cities. The report states that \(68\,^{\circ}\text{F}=20\,^{\circ}\text{C}\). Explain why the graph is misleading and how to correct it.
Figure for problem 541508

Hints

- Check whether the two numbers use the same measurement unit. - Use the stated equivalence to decide whether the physical quantities differ. - A valid common scale must represent equal quantities with equal heights.

Solution

1. The two numerical values use different temperature scales, so their numbers cannot be compared directly as bar heights. 2. The report states that \(68\,^{\circ}\text{F}\) and \(20\,^{\circ}\text{C}\) represent the same temperature. 3. A fair graph must convert both measurements to the same unit and label the y-axis with that unit. The two bars would then have equal height.

Answer

The graph is misleading because it treats Fahrenheit and Celsius numbers as though they were measured on one common scale. Convert both temperatures to the same unit and use a labeled y-axis; the bars should be equal in height.
5415096
The line graph uses equally spaced horizontal grid lines. Explain why the y-axis scale is misleading. Describe a corrected scale that could show all values from \(0\) to \(60\) fairly.
Figure for problem 541509

Hints

- Compare the numerical change between every pair of neighboring y-axis labels. - Equal physical spacing on a linear axis should represent equal numerical changes. - Choose one interval size that reaches \(60\) without changing.

Solution

1. Equal visual spaces should represent equal numerical changes on a linear axis. 2. The displayed labels increase by \(10,10,30,10\), so one grid space sometimes represents \(10\) units and sometimes \(30\) units. 3. This compresses the change from \(20\) to \(50\) and makes visual comparisons unreliable. 4. A fair scale could label equally spaced grid lines \(0,10,20,30,40,50,60\).

Answer

The y-axis uses unequal numerical intervals at equal visual spacing. Use one constant interval, such as \(10\) units, with labels \(0,10,20,30,40,50,60\).
5415106
A caption says the two categories are tied. Explain why the graph is misleading and describe a correction.
Figure for problem 541510

Hints

- Compare each data value with the largest value shown on the axis. - Determine whether the visible bar tops are actual endpoints. - Make the display range include every plotted value.

Solution

1. The axis maximum is below both data values, so the tops of both bars are clipped. 2. Clipping hides the difference of \(92\%-85\%=7\) percentage points. 3. Equal visible heights are caused by the graph boundary, not equal data. 4. Extend the axis to at least \(100\%\) and draw both complete bars with labeled values.

Answer

The graph clips both bars and hides a \(7\)-percentage-point difference. Extend the scale so both \(85\%\) and \(92\%\) are fully visible.
5115576
Fifty students rated a new school library program: - \(8\) students: “Excellent” - \(15\) students: “Good” - \(17\) students: “Fair” - \(10\) students: “Poor” A display must use exactly three groups, so exactly one pair of adjacent rating categories will be combined. Consider all three possible adjacent merges. Which merge can support the statement “The largest displayed group gave a positive rating” without changing the meanings of the original ratings? Give the three resulting group counts for that merge and explain why the other two merges do not support that statement.

Hints

- There are three possible adjacent pairs; evaluate each one rather than assuming which pair should be merged. - Compute the new group counts after each possible merge. - A label must still accurately describe every original rating placed inside that group.

Solution

1. Combining Excellent and Good gives \(8+15=23\), with the other group counts \(17\) and \(10\). The positive group is the largest. 2. Combining Good and Fair gives \(15+17=32\), but that group includes Fair responses, so it cannot accurately be described as a positive-rating group without changing category meaning. 3. Combining Fair and Poor gives \(17+10=27\), which creates a large lower-rating group rather than a positive group. 4. Therefore the defensible merge is Excellent with Good, producing counts \(23,17,10\).

Answer

Combine Excellent and Good. Positive: \(23\); Fair: \(17\); Poor: \(10\). The other merges either combine Fair with Good or combine Fair with Poor, so their largest merged group cannot accurately be described as students who gave a positive rating.
5116586
A sixth-grade class surveyed students about their favorite pets. The results were: - Dog: \(9\) votes - Cat: \(6\) votes - Hamster: \(3\) votes - Bird: \(2\) votes a) A bar graph uses a scale of \(1\,\text{cm}\) for every \(2\) votes. What is the difference in bar height between Dog and Hamster? b) What percent of all votes were for Cat? c) Someone suggests starting the y-axis at \(2\) votes to save space. Explain why this could misrepresent the results.

Hints

- Find the difference in votes, then use the graph scale. - Add all votes before finding the Cat percentage. - Think about what happens to a bar with value \(2\) if the axis begins at \(2\).

Solution

1. Dog and Hamster differ by \(9-3=6\) votes. At \(2\) votes per centimeter, the difference is \(6\div2=3\,\text{cm}\). 2. The total number of votes is \(9+6+3+2=20\). 3. Cat received \(\frac{6}{20}=30\%\) of the votes. 4. If the y-axis starts at \(2\), the Bird bar would have no visible height even though Bird received votes. The other differences would also appear larger than their actual proportions.

Answer

a) \(3\,\text{cm}\) b) \(30\%\) c) The truncated axis would exaggerate differences and make the Bird category appear to have no votes.
5412676
A poster uses the two squares shown to compare two makerspace programs. The designer says the picture shows the comparison fairly because both the student count and the side length increase by the same factor. Explain why the display is misleading, and give one fair way to redesign it.
Figure for problem 541267

Hints

- Identify which visual feature people are most likely to compare. - Compare the multiplicative change in the data with the multiplicative change in that visual feature. - Consider a display in which only one dimension represents the values.

Solution

1. The student count increases from \(40\) to \(60\), a factor of \(\frac{60}{40}=1.5\), or a \(50\%\) increase. 2. The square areas are \(4^2=16\,\text{cm}^2\) and \(6^2=36\,\text{cm}^2\). 3. The displayed area increases by a factor of \(\frac{36}{16}=2.25\), or \(125\%\), so the visual difference is much larger than the data difference. 4. A fair redesign could use equal-width bars with heights proportional to \(40\) and \(60\), or use equal-size symbols with a stated key.

Answer

The display is misleading because the student count is multiplied by \(1.5\), but the square area is multiplied by \(2.25\). A fair redesign is an equal-width bar graph with bar heights proportional to \(40\) and \(60\).
5412836
The two segmented bars show membership in two clubs. Each equal part represents \(10\) members, and the shaded parts represent members who play an instrument. A report points to the longer shaded segment in bar b) and claims that playing an instrument is more common in that club. Evaluate the claim and explain how the display should be changed for a fair comparison.
Figure for problem 541283

Hints

- Use the scale of \(10\) members per part to recover each whole and shaded count. - Compare each shaded amount with its own whole bar. - A fair rate comparison should make the two wholes visually equal in length.

Solution

1. Bar a) has \(4\) parts, so it represents \(40\) members; \(2\) shaded parts represent \(20\) instrument players. The relative frequency is \(\frac{20}{40}=50\%\). 2. Bar b) has \(8\) parts, so it represents \(80\) members; \(3\) shaded parts represent \(30\) instrument players. The relative frequency is \(\frac{30}{80}=37.5\%\). 3. Club b) has more instrument players as a count but a smaller share of its membership. 4. A fair display should use equal-length \(100\%\) bars or graph the two percentages directly.

Answer

The claim is misleading. The shares are \(50\%\) in club a) and \(37.5\%\) in club b). Use equal-length \(100\%\) bars or graph the percentages directly.
5413097
The bar graph compares satisfaction rates for two events. It does not reveal that Event A surveyed \(10\) people while Event B surveyed \(500\) people. A caption says, “Event A clearly has stronger evidence of high satisfaction.” Evaluate the caption and state what information should be added to the display.
Figure for problem 541309

Hints

- Look beyond the percentages to the number of observations behind each bar. - Convert each percentage to a count to see the scale of the samples. - Decide whether the caption claims more than the displayed information supports.

Solution

1. Event A's \(90\%\) represents \(0.90\times10=9\) satisfied respondents. 2. Event B's \(80\%\) represents \(0.80\times500=400\) satisfied respondents. 3. The percentages describe the observed shares, but the graph hides the very different sample sizes. 4. The bar heights alone do not justify the claim about stronger evidence. 5. The display should state the sample size and satisfied count for each event alongside the percentages.

Answer

The caption is not supported by the graph. Event A is based on only \(10\) responses, while Event B is based on \(500\). Add both sample sizes and counts to the display.
5413136
Class A had \(9\) satisfied students out of \(10\). Class B had \(18\) satisfied students out of \(30\). The chart reports an overall satisfaction rate. Explain why the chart’s overall rate is misleading and find the correct combined rate.
Figure for problem 541313

Hints

- Recover the counts behind each percentage. - Combine the parts and wholes before finding one overall share. - Check whether the two original percentages represent equally sized groups.

Solution

1. The two class percentages represent groups of different sizes, so they should not receive equal weight. 2. The combined satisfied count is \(9+18=27\). 3. The combined student count is \(10+30=40\). 4. The correct combined rate is \(\frac{27}{40}=0.675=67.5\%\). 5. Averaging \(90\%\) and \(60\%\) gives too much weight to the smaller class.

Answer

The correct combined satisfaction rate is \(67.5\%\), not \(75\%\). The displayed calculation treats unequal class sizes as if they were equal.

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