Question

Which best describes the purpose of bar graphs?

A. They show changes over a period of time.
B. They compare quantities for particular categories.
C. They show the relationship among parts of a whole.
D. They compare ranges as continuous data.

Answer 1

B. They compare quantities for particular categories

Bar graphs are mainly used to show comparisons between categories.

Answer 2

The right answer is They compare quantities for particular categories.

The bar graph is composed of horizontal bands. The categories are presented on the ordinate (Y axis - vertical). The length of each bar is measured by the values arranged on the abscissa (X axis - horizontal).

It draws attention to the comparison of values rather than a period followed by time (as in the case of the bar chart).