Graphs and charts are a way that data and statistics can be presented. As such, there are a variety of graphs and charts such as bar graph, correlation graph, line graph and pie charts. A few of these graphs can be considered here.
Firstly, it should be noted that most of the graphs have two axis referred to as an x and y axis. The Y axis is the vertical axis, and the X axis is the horizontal. On these axis, a range is included for both the x and y axis. Then, the numbers can be plotted onto the graphs appropriately. Such graphs will also be titled, with headings for both the Y and the X axis.
Bar Graph:
The first type of graph worth noting is the bar graph. Bar graphs make use of bars, which are usually rectangles. These graphs are usually most appropriate for comparing single values such as golf scores. For such a graph, players a, b, c, d could be included on the horizontal axis while their score range along the vertical axis. Bar graphs can also be either horizontal or vertical.
Line Graph:
The line graph makes use of an interconnected line. Here, the values are plotted on the graph. Then, they can joined by the line. As such, this type of graph is most suitable for trends where the line can either be upward or downward which may suggest a trend. Some line graphs can include multiple lines, so that separate ranges can be compared.
Pie Chart:
The pie chart is a graph that does not include either a x or y axis, and is a circular graph. Instead, the graph makes use of percentages. To do a pie chart, a total for a range of values is divided by 360. Then, the figure here is used to multiply the relevant values to be included on the chart. A protractor can be used for the circle, then each segment is drawn at the appropriate angle from the centre of the pie. As such, a pie chart is best used to compare percentage totals.
Scatter plot graphs:
Scatter plot graphs are sometimes called correlation graphs. In some respect, they are similar to line graphs in that they can display trends. However, scatter plot graphs do not connect all the values via a line. Instead, if there is a general trend a line of best fit is used to run through the points of the graph. As such, if there is a general upward correlation this can be a positive correlation. If there is more of a general downward correlation this is a negative correlation.
Overall, these are four good graphs that can be used for a variety of values. All, with the exception of the pie chart, include an x and y axis where values can be plotted. There are a good few more graphs, but these are good for statistical comparison and percentages.
