Question

Which information would best be shown on a bar graph?

A) The amount of money raised by each class in a bake sale

B) The change in the amount of money spent by teens over the last five years

C) The percentage of students participating in various school clubs

D) How many more students ride the bus now than in 1990

Answer 1

A would be the best information because you have distinct y and x values. Money and different classes. 

Answer 2

A would be the best answer.

Letter B and D could also be read on a bar graph, however not so intuitively. They both are interested in differences - data that could be obtained by taking subtracting the values of one column from another. While bar graphs should be used to show measurable pure values (amounts).

Letter C graph would be best shown in other types of graphs, more ideal for percentages. Like a pizza graph, for example.