Create graphs and charts (bar, pie, line)

What is a Spreadsheet? 📊

A spreadsheet is like a giant digital notebook where you can store numbers, text, and formulas. Think of it as a grid of cells that can do calculations automatically.

Example: If you want to know the total of your weekly allowance, you can enter each week's amount and let the spreadsheet add them for you.

Bar Chart: Showing Comparisons 📈

Bar charts are great for comparing categories side‑by‑side.

1. Enter your data in two columns: Category and Value.
2. Select the data.
3. Insert → Chart → Bar.
4. Adjust titles and colours.

Example data:

Pie Chart: Showing Parts of a Whole 🥧

Pie charts display how each part contributes to 100%.

1. Enter categories and their values.
2. Select the data.
3. Insert → Chart → Pie.
4. Label slices and choose colours.

Example: If your total points are 100, each slice shows the percentage of points earned.

Formula for percentage: $ \text{Percentage} = \frac{\text{Part}}{\text{Whole}} \times 100\% $

Line Chart: Tracking Changes Over Time 📉

Line charts are ideal for showing trends.

1. List dates or time periods in column A.
2. Enter corresponding values in column B.
3. Select the data.
4. Insert → Chart → Line.
5. Add a trendline if needed.

Example data: Monthly temperature.

Exam Tips for Graphs & Charts 🎯

• Always label the title, axes, and legend.
• Use a clear colour palette – avoid too many similar shades.
• Check that the scale is appropriate (e.g., start at 0 for bar charts).
• For pie charts, avoid overlapping labels – use a legend if needed.
• Remember the average formula: $ \bar{x} = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^n x_i $ to summarise data.
• Practice creating charts from raw data before the exam.