Question

graphs without numbers
in the following graph, the numbers on the vertical axis have been left off. even without the numbers, you can still answer the questions below. the legend for the lines is below the graph.
inches of snow per state
in one year, one of the states had the least snow during 2001 - 2007. which state was that?
in which year did montana have its largest number of inches of snow?
in which year did montana and california have approximately the same number of inches of snow?
which state had the largest single year increase in number of inches of snow?
which state had the largest decrease in the number of inches of snow in 2001 to the number of inches of snow in 2007?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify lowest snow point

Locate the lowest data point on the graph. This point belongs to Texas in 2006.

Step2: Find Montana's peak snow

Locate the highest data point on Montana's (blue) line. This occurs in 2003.

Step3: Match Montana & California snow

Find the year where Montana's (blue) and California's (green) lines intersect. This happens in 2003.

Step4: Find largest single-year increase

Compare the steepest upward slope on all lines. Texas's (red) line has the sharpest upward jump from 2006 to 2007.

Step5: Calculate 2001-2007 snow decrease

Compare the vertical drop from 2001 to 2007 for all lines. Texas's (red) line shows the largest downward change between these years.

Answer:

1. Texas
2. 2003
3. 2003
4. Texas
5. Texas