Based on the details you've provided, it sounds like you're analyzing a bar graph that compares fuel consumption (mileage) for two different car models. Let's break down the potential misleading aspects and how to correct them.
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Misleading Aspects:
- Non-uniform Scale: If the bars don't use a consistent scale on the x or y-axis, it can distort the perception of the data. For example, if one bar is twice as tall but the scale makes it seem more exaggerated, it can mislead viewers about the differences.
- Axis Not Starting at Zero: If the y-axis (representing fuel consumption) does not start from zero, it can exaggerate the differences between the two models, making one appear significantly worse or better than it is.
- Area versus Height Misrepresentation: If the area of the bars is not proportional to the values being represented, it can mislead interpretations. Each bar should represent the same category (fuel consumption) consistently.
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Correcting the Graph:
- Ensure the y-axis starts at zero to give a more accurate visual comparison.
- Use a consistent scale for both axes to avoid misleading perceptions.
- Represent data as height or area consistently based on what is being measured.
Answer Options
Based on your text, the misleading nature of the graph is likely the following:
- c: "The graph is misleading because the vertical axis scale does not start at 0." This is a common issue that can significantly distort the viewer's understanding of the data.
If these answers align with your observations, then it would be appropriate to select option c as the answer.
1 answer