Histogram

A graph for displaying the distribution of a measurement variable consisting of vertical rectangles, drawn for each class interval, whose area represents the relative frequency for values in that class interval.

To aid interpretation, it is desirable to have equal-width class intervals so that the height of each rectangle represents the frequency (or relative frequency) for values in each class interval.

Histograms are particularly useful when the number of values to be plotted is large.

Example

The number of hours of sunshine per week in Grey Lynn, Auckland, from Monday, January 2, 2006, to Sunday, December 31, 2006, is displayed in the histogram below.

Curriculum achievement objectives references

Statistical investigation: Levels 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

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