Graphs, Continued
Bar graphs
(Continued)
To construct a bar graph, use the following table:
Step
Action
1
Use an x- and y-axis as a reference frame.
2
Determine which axis to assign each value.
3
Select a paper size. Fill the entire page proportionally. Allow for
margins, figures, and explanatory notes.
4
Determine a scale for the x-values.
Leave space between the y-axis and the first plot.
Leave an equal amount of space after the last plot as you left
between the y-axis and first plot.
Center the parallel bar over the plot along the axis.
5
Determine a scale for the y-values.
Use the largest value and round this to the next higher number.
Make sure to leave space for the margins, title, and explanatory
notes.
Divide the remaining space by the number of values you require
and select an appropriate dimension.
6
Lay out the x-axis.
7
Lay out the y-axis.
8
Plot the values.
9
Ink or tape in the axes and bars.
10
Letter the graph.
Continued on next page
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