EXAMPLE 1 Interpreting a Bar Graph

The bar graph at the right shows the number of historically active volcanoes in four countries. Which country has the most historically active volcanoes?

Volcanoes

EXAMPLE 1 Interpreting a Bar Graph

Use the bar graph above about volcanoes. Answer the question or explain why you can’t answer the question using the graph.

a. Which country has the most historically active volcanoes?

b. Which country has the most volcanic eruptions in a given year?

EXAMPLE 1 Interpreting a Bar Graph

SOLUTION

a. The vertical axis in the bar graph is labeled Historically active volcanoes, so the tallest bar represents the country with the most historically active volcanoes. Because the United States has the tallest bar, it has the most historically active volcanoes.

b. Having more historically active volcanoes doesn’t necessarily mean having more eruptions, so you can’t answer this question from the bar graph.

GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 1

Use the bar graph above about historically active volcanoes.

1. About how many more historically active volcanoes does Chile have than Mexico?

ANSWER

About 80 volcanoes

GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 1

Use the bar graph above about historically active volcanoes.

2. Which country has the least number of historically active volcanoes?

ANSWER

Canada

GUIDED PRACTICE for Example 1

Use the bar graph above about historically active volcanoes.

3. About how many historically active volcanoes do Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. have altogether?

ANSWER

215 volcanoes