A school club survey produced this table.
<table><thead><tr><th>Club</th><th>Students</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Debate</td><td>\(9\)</td></tr><tr><td>Drama</td><td>\(12\)</td></tr><tr><td>Music</td><td>\(7\)</td></tr><tr><td>Science</td><td>\(12\)</td></tr></tbody></table>
Specify a correct categorical bar chart for these data. Use y-axis ticks spaced every \(5\) students and the smallest top tick that includes every bar. In your answer, state the y-axis baseline and tick values, whether neighboring bars should touch, the four bar heights in table order, and the tallest bar or bars.
Hints
- Decide which bar-chart conventions are required because the horizontal variable consists of categories rather than numerical intervals.
- Use the stated tick spacing together with the largest frequency to determine the top of the vertical scale.
- Map each category's count to a bar height, then compare the completed heights.
Solution
1. A frequency bar chart uses a zero baseline so bar heights represent counts proportionally.
2. With tick spacing \(5\), the smallest top tick above the maximum frequency \(12\) is \(15\), so the y-axis ticks are \(0,5,10,15\).
3. Because the horizontal variable is categorical, neighboring bars should be separated rather than touching.
4. The bar heights are \(9,12,7,12\) for Debate, Drama, Music, and Science.
5. Drama and Science tie for the tallest bar at \(12\).
Answer
Baseline: \(0\). Y-axis ticks: \(0,5,10,15\). Neighboring bars should not touch. Bar heights in table order: \(9,12,7,12\). Drama and Science are tied for tallest at \(12\).