Math & YOU | 9.1 Information Design

9.1 Information Design

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Math Help

In a stacked area graph, the amount is represented by the difference between two line graphs. For instance, in the stacked area graph in Example 1 (shown below), you can estimate that there were about 10,000 truck fatalities in 1995.
Consumer Suggestion

Information graphics, or infographics, are commonly seen to display large amounts of data in an attractive and accessible way. Sites such as Daily Infographic and GOOD showcase many entertaining and interesting infographics for you to browse.
Checkpoint Solution

Use the data in the spreadsheet. You can compare motorcycle accident fatalities in 1994 and 2009 as numbers and percents.

Numbers:

In 1994, there were 2320 motorcycle accident fatalities. In 2009, there were 4462 motorcycle accident fatalities. There were about twice as many motorcycle accident fatalities in 2009 than in 1994.

Percents:

To compare motorcycle accident fatalities as percents, divide the number of motorcycle fatalities for the year by the total number of motor vehicle accident fatalities for the year.

In 1994, motorcycle accident fatalities accounted for about 7% of motor vehicle accident fatalities. In 2009, motorcycle accident fatalities accounted for about 15% of motor vehicle accident fatalities.
Comments (2)
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Jackie (moderator)1 decade ago |

BuzzFeed recently released an infographic about the presidential election. What does your favorite TV show/network say about your political preferences?

Find out on our blog: http://www.andyou.com/blog/math-in-the-news/math-in-the-news-information-design/

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Ron Larson (author)1 decade ago |

When you are used to reading line graphs, it can be confusing to read stacked area graphs. In the graph in Example 1, be sure you see that the total for "Trucks" is not roughly 35,000. Instead, it is "35,000 - 25,000", which is about 10,000.

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