What graphs should be used for discrete data?

Bar graph is the most suitable way to represent discrete data, as finite values can be presented clearly through vertical or horizontal bars.

Let us take an example to understand it better.

In a survey with 14 children on their favourite ice-cream flavour, it was found that 4 children like butterscotch flavour, 5 children like chocolate flavour, 3 children like vanilla flavour and 2 children like strawberry flavour of ice-cream.

It is an example of discrete data as we can count the number of children who like a particular flavour of ice-cream.

Carefully observe the graphical representation of this data through all three modes of representation.

1. Data that can be counted and has finite values is known as discrete data. In discrete data, we can only move from one value to other as there is no value in between.
2. Bar graph, frequency table and number line are the most common ways to represent discrete data.
3. Among these, bar graph is the most suitable way for graphical representation of discrete data.

Given below are the representation of two different sets of data in two different forms of graph. Find which one of the following represents discrete data and why?

Solution

Amon the two graphs, on the right side we have histogram and on the left side, we have bar graph.

Data given in bar graph represents discrete data as we consider number of girls class-wise in that graph that contains only finite values and is countable.

While data given in histogram represents continuous data as we consider marks obtained by students within a range in that graph. For example, 2 students obtained marks between 5 to 10, that means the marks could be any number within this range, for instance, 7.5, 5.25, 6, etc.

\(\, therefore, \) the data given in bar graph is a discrete data graph.

\(\therefore\) The data given in bar graph represents discrete data.

Look at the data given below of favourite sport of 58 people. Represent the data graphically and also write whether it is discrete data or not.

Favourite SportSoccer\(Basket\) \(ball\)TennisHockey\(Base\) \(ball\)Number of people181410412

Solution

Given data is an example of discrete data, as the values are given are whole numbers. We can count the number of people who like each sport.

Now, let us look at how to how to represent it through bar graph.

On the x-axis, we mention the names of favourite sport as it is an independent variable and on y-axis, we mention the number of people as it is a dependent variable.

\(\therefore\) The given data is discrete and we represent it through bar graph.

Classify the following variables in discrete and continuous.

• Sum of numbers obtained by rolling two dice at a time.
• Temperature recorded in NYC throughout the day.
• Number of workers in a company.
• Annual salary of all the workers in a company.

Solution

Sum of numbers obtained by rolling two dice at a time - It is a discrete data variable as the values obtained is finite and countable. Sum of the numbers obtained by rolling two dice can be {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}.

Temperature recorded in NYC throughout the day - It is a continuous data variable, as there is no fixed value for temperature. It can be \(2^o C\),  \(2.56^o C\), \(4.75^o C\), etc.

Number of workers in a company - It is a discrete data variable, as the value is countable and finite.

Annual salary of all the workers in a company - It is a continuous data variable, as the annual salary is different for different employees in a company.

\(\therefore\) Sum of numbers obtained by rolling two dice and Number of workers in a company are examples of discrete data.

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Interactive Questions on Discrete Data

Here are a few activities for you to practice. Select/Type your answer and click the "Check Answer" button to see the result.

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Let's Summarize

The mini-lesson targeted the fascinating concept of discrete data. The math journey around discrete data starts with what a student already knows, and goes on to creatively crafting a fresh concept in the young minds. Done in a way that not only it is relatable and easy to grasp, but also will stay with them forever. Here lies the magic with Cuemath.

About Cuemath

At Cuemath, our team of math experts is dedicated to making learning fun for our favorite readers, the students!

Through an interactive and engaging learning-teaching-learning approach, the teachers explore all angles of a topic.

Be it worksheets, online classes, doubt sessions, or any other form of relation, it’s the logical thinking and smart learning approach that we, at Cuemath, believe in.

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. Is salary a discrete or continuous variable?

Salary can be both discrete or continuous variable. It is discrete for organizations where there is a fixed salary for employees. But most commonly, we consider salary as a continuous variable as there is no defined range of salary.

2. Is age a discrete or continuous?

Age can be both discrete or continuous variable. It is continuous when we consider the exact age in terms of months and in days, on the other hand, it is discrete when we consider only the number of years.

3. Is weight  discrete or continuous?

Weight is a continuous variable as its value is not a countable number. It is different for different people.

What graphs are used for discrete data?

Which graph can best display discrete data?

How should discrete data be plotted?

Are bar graphs good for discrete data?