How is a histogram different from other types of graphs?

How is a histogram different from other types of graphs?

• A. It displays a percentage of a total
• B. It shows change over time
• C. It represents the frequencies of a variable
• D. It compares two variables

Answer: (C)

A histogram is specifically designed to represent the frequencies of a variable by displaying how data points are distributed across different intervals or bins. This allows for a visual interpretation of the distribution of the dataset, highlighting where values tend to cluster, as well as the range and potential gaps in the data. Each bar in a histogram corresponds to a range of values, and the height of each bar reflects the count of observations within that range. In contrast, the other types of graphs serve different purposes. For instance, displaying a percentage of a total typically corresponds to pie charts, which show how parts make up a whole. Showing change over time is a function of line graphs, which illustrate trends across intervals. Comparisons between two variables are usually represented by scatter plots or bar charts, where data points can be evaluated against each other to discern relationships. Thus, the distinguishing characteristic of a histogram is its focus on frequency distribution rather than representations of proportions, trends over time, or comparisons across variables.

A histogram is specifically designed to represent the frequencies of a variable by displaying how data points are distributed across different intervals or bins. This allows for a visual interpretation of the distribution of the dataset, highlighting where values tend to cluster, as well as the range and potential gaps in the data. Each bar in a histogram corresponds to a range of values, and the height of each bar reflects the count of observations within that range.

In contrast, the other types of graphs serve different purposes. For instance, displaying a percentage of a total typically corresponds to pie charts, which show how parts make up a whole. Showing change over time is a function of line graphs, which illustrate trends across intervals. Comparisons between two variables are usually represented by scatter plots or bar charts, where data points can be evaluated against each other to discern relationships. Thus, the distinguishing characteristic of a histogram is its focus on frequency distribution rather than representations of proportions, trends over time, or comparisons across variables.