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Scale activity

This is one type of a misleading graph. The activity begins with a discussion about the graph. Students are then asked to write about the same information when the graph is drawn accurately.

Average house prices

S_CM_M2_E1_fig1

Discussion points

  • What is the headline?
  • Glancing at the graph, by how much do you think house prices have risen?
  • What do you notice about the vertical scale on the graph?
  • Why is the representation misleading?
  • Why do you think a newspaper would produce a graph such as this?

Activity

This graph has used the same information but with a correct scale.

Average house prices

S_CM_M2_E1_fig2

 

Now imagine you are a journalist about to write an article. What would the headline be? 

Write a paragraph for the newspaper using the mathematical information. Include the approximate percentage rise in prices.

Further activity

Collect graphs that appear in your local media. Are any misleading or confusing?