Chapter 11.5, Problem 1E

To determine

To show two ways that a line graph can be misleading.

Answer to Problem 1E

The line graph can be misleading if:

1. The scale of an axis does not have equal intervals.
2. The values of a higher magnitude start from point of origin, where there is no break shown.

Explanation of Solution

Given information :

A line graph that is misleading.

Misleading line graphs not don’t reflect accurate data. It is interpreted in a wrong way and the results are skewed.

1. If the intervals are not equal, the line graph might be too steep or tend to be flatter, thereby depicting an inaccurate picture of the situation.
2. If the values start from the origin without a break, the line graph would start from the origin. This is inaccurate as the interpretation and subsequent calculations would go weary.