Algebra/Other Types of Graphs

The same data plotted using a pie chart and a bar chart.

Pie Chart

Pie charts are best used to compare parts to the whole by percentages. By measuring the number of degrees that a piece of the pie chart is, one can find the percentage it represents.

$\mbox{degrees} = \mbox{percent} \cdot\frac{360}{100}$

which simplifies to degrees * 18 / 5

Bar Chart

Bar charts are best for plotting the change in something over a period of time. It is nearly the same as a line chart, except that the points are not connected, and instead extend to the bottom of the chart.