Use these graph-reading sample questions to review bar graphs, pie charts, coordinate graphs, and line graphs. Study each graph carefully before selecting an answer, then open the explanation to check your reasoning.
Topics Covered
- Reading graph titles, labels, units, scales, and legends
- Comparing values across time periods
- Estimating increases and decreases
- Using percentages from pie charts
- Reading ordered pairs on coordinate planes
- Interpreting revenue, costs, and profit
Sample Questions
Use this bar graph to answer Questions 1–3.
- A. 832
- B. 1,054
- C. 832,000
- D. 1,054,000
- E. 1,150,000
Show Answer
The bar for 1970 reaches approximately 1,150 on the vertical scale.
Because the graph reports population in thousands, 1,150 represents approximately 1,150,000 people.
- A. 1950 to 1960
- B. 1960 to 1970
- C. 1970 to 1980
- D. 1980 to 1990
- E. 1990 to 2000
Show Answer
Compare the heights of each pair of adjacent bars.
The population rose from approximately 1,090,000 in 1980 to approximately 1,360,000 in 1990, an increase of about 270,000. That is the largest increase shown.
- A. 55
- B. 150
- C. 9,000
- D. 60,000
- E. 100,000
Show Answer
The population was approximately 1,150,000 in 1970 and 1,090,000 in 1980.
1,150,000 − 1,090,000 = 60,000
The population decreased by approximately 60,000.
Use this pie chart to answer Questions 4–6.
- A. $7,800
- B. $9,000
- C. $10,200
- D. $12,600
- E. $13,200
Show Answer
Food accounts for 13% of the family budget.
0.13 × $60,000 = $7,800
- A. $75,140
- B. $88,400
- C. $90,168
- D. $115,600
- E. $120,224
Show Answer
Transportation accounts for 17% of the budget. Let x represent the total budget.
0.17x = $15,028
x = $15,028 ÷ 0.17 = $88,400
- A. $1,755
- B. $4,500
- C. $15,600
- D. $17,500
- E. $19,500
Show Answer
Healthcare accounts for 9% of the budget. Let x represent the total budget.
0.09x = $4,500
x = $4,500 ÷ 0.09 = $50,000
Housing accounts for 39% of the budget.
0.39 × $50,000 = $19,500
Use this coordinate graph to answer Question 7.
- A. (-3, 3), (2, 2), and (-1, 2)
- B. (-3, 3), (2, 2), and (2, -1)
- C. (3, 3), (3, 2), and (2, -1)
- D. (3, -3), (2, 2), and (-1, 2)
- E. (3, -3), (3, 2), and (2, -1)
Show Answer
Coordinates are written as ordered pairs in the form (x, y).
The left vertex is 3 units left of the y-axis and 3 units above the x-axis, giving (-3, 3). The other vertices are (2, 2) and (2, -1).
Use this line graph to answer Questions 8–10.
- A. 1985 to 1986
- B. 1986 to 1987
- C. 1987 to 1988
- D. 1988 to 1989
- E. 1989 to 1990
Show Answer
Follow the revenue line from left to right.
The only downward segment occurs from 1986 to 1987, when revenue falls from approximately $150,000 to $140,000.
- A. 1986
- B. 1987
- C. 1988
- D. 1989
- E. 1990
Show Answer
Profit equals revenue minus costs. Compare the vertical distance between the revenue and cost lines at each year.
In 1990, revenue was approximately $280,000 and costs were approximately $240,000.
$280,000 − $240,000 = $40,000
This is the greatest profit shown.
- A. 1985 to 1986
- B. 1986 to 1987
- C. 1987 to 1988
- D. 1988 to 1989
- E. 1989 to 1990
Show Answer
Follow the costs line and compare each year-to-year change.
Costs rose from approximately $145,000 in 1988 to $230,000 in 1989, an increase of about $85,000. That is the largest increase shown.
How to Use These Questions
Before answering, identify the graph type and read its title, axis labels, units, scale, and legend. Estimate only when the graph does not provide an exact value.
When comparing two lines, use the vertical values shown rather than assuming what caused a change. A graph can show that costs increased, for example, but it cannot prove why they increased unless that information is provided.