Math  /  Data & Statistics

Question```latex \text{Worldwide sales of computers have been increasing every year. The following bar graph and time-series plot both present a picture of the increase for the years 2005 - 2008. Which of the two graphs presents the more accurate picture? Why? (Give support for your choice.)} ```

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? Which graph, a bar graph or a time-series plot, better represents the growth of worldwide computer sales between 2005 and 2008, and *why*? Watch out! Don't just pick a graph – explain *why* your choice is better for showing this kind of data!

STEP 2

1. Analyze the Bar Graph
2. Analyze the Time-Series Plot
3. Compare and Decide

STEP 3

Alright, let's look at this bar graph!
It shows the total computer sales for each year, right?
Each bar represents a year, and its height tells us how many computers were sold.
So, we can clearly see the **sales** going up each year.

STEP 4

What's important here is that the bars are separate.
That means we're only looking at the **total sales** for each *individual* year.
We *don't* see what's happening *within* each year, like if sales went up or down during the year itself.

STEP 5

Now, let's check out the time-series plot!
This one also shows the **total sales** for each year, but it *connects* the data points with lines.

STEP 6

Those lines suggest a *continuous* change in sales over time.
It's like saying the sales were steadily increasing throughout the entire period, not just jumping up at the end of each year.

STEP 7

So, which graph is better?
Think about what the data represents: **yearly computer sales**.
Does it make sense that sales are changing *continuously* throughout the year, or is it more likely that we're looking at the *total* at the *end* of each year?

STEP 8

Computer sales are probably reported annually, right?
So, the **bar graph** is a more accurate representation.
It shows the **total sales for each year** without implying any continuous change within the years.
The time-series plot, while visually appealing, might mislead someone into thinking there's a constant, smooth growth in sales throughout each year, which might not be the case.

STEP 9

The **bar graph** is the more accurate representation of yearly computer sales.
It clearly shows the **total sales for each year** without implying continuous change within the years, which is more appropriate for this type of data.

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