Practice Misleading Graphs in Math

Use these practice problems to test your method after reviewing the concept explanation and worked examples.

Quick Recap

A misleading graph is a data visualization that distorts the true pattern through truncated axes, unequal intervals, cherry-picked data, or manipulated scales.

A graph can tell any story the creator wants by choosing which data to show, where to start the axis, and how to scale the bars — visual clarity requires honest design.

Example 1

easy
A bar chart of company profits shows the y-axis starting at \950M. Profit Year 1: \960M, Year 2: \$970M. The bar for Year 2 appears to be twice as tall. Calculate the actual percentage increase and the visually implied increase.

Example 2

medium
A graph shows 'cases of disease over time' with no y-axis label or values. The line goes up sharply. List three questions you should ask before drawing conclusions from this graph.

Example 3

easy
A 3D pie chart shows three categories: A=50%, B=30%, C=20%. The chart is tilted so C appears largest. Explain why 3D effects distort pie charts.

Example 4

hard
A graph shows 'gun deaths rise after Stand Your Ground laws.' The y-axis is inverted (high values at bottom). Analyze how axis inversion misleads viewers.
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