Intermediate Test Prep Math 8 (Grade 6) Analyze histograms as to what information each presents and note the advantages and disadvantages of each.

A Histogram displays data so that it can be easily understood. A histogram is similar to a bar graph, but the bars must touch!

What does a histogram look like?

Histogram Example

How to make a histogram:
1. Use the data from the table to choose the right scale. All scales start at 0.

2. Draw and label the scale on the vertical axis. (Vertical means "up and down.")

3. Draw and label the horizontal axis. (Horizontal means "across.")

4. List the name of each item.

5. Draw vertical bars to represent each number.
The vertical bars need to touch!

6. Title the graph.

How can you use a histogram?

You can use a histogram to represent different amounts of data.

Color of Eyes in Miss. Wood's Class
Blue	8
Green	3
Brown	9
Hazel	4

Advantage Banner

1. A histogram is great for comparing data.

2. They show trends in the data clearly.

3. They are very easy to read.

Disadvantage Banner

1. In a histogram it is difficult to simplify all the data into one scale.

2. You can change the way the data appears on a histogram by not using a consistent scale.

3. You have to remember that all the bars must touch when making a histogram.

This is NOT a histogram because the bars do NOT TOUCH!

This is an example of a bar graph.

Remember:
In a histogram the bars must touch. If the bars are not touching the graph is not a histogram, it is a bar graph.

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