A computer can show numbers as a graph — Computing, 4–6
A list of numbers can be hard to compare. A graph turns the numbers into bars or points, so your eyes can see which is more, less or the same.
A graph makes numbers visible
A graph is a picture made from information, often numbers. A taller bar can mean more, and a shorter bar can mean less. The computer does not change the numbers; it gives them a shape that helps you compare them quickly.
Why turn a list into a picture?
People have used marks and pictures to compare amounts for a very long time. A row of numbers such as 2, 5 and 3 takes more thought to compare than three bars of those heights. A graph helps you notice a difference or a change without reading every number one by one.
Counting favourite fruit
Four children choose fruit: two choose apples, one chooses a banana, and three choose strawberries. The computer enters 2, 1 and 3, then draws three bars with those heights. The strawberry bar is tallest, so strawberries are the most chosen; the banana bar is shortest, so bananas are the least chosen.
A taller picture is not always better
It is reasonable to think the tallest bar means the best choice, because “high” can sound like “good”. A graph only shows the question chosen and the numbers collected; it does not decide what is best. If the question is “Which fruit was chosen most?”, height helps, but it cannot tell you which fruit tastes nicest.
Graphs help people spot change
Weather apps use graphs for temperature, and exercise apps use them for steps or distance. A teacher might make a graph of books read or favourite playground games. Whenever several amounts need comparing, a graph can make the information easier to see.
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