Question

a scientist wants to display the numbers of gallons of fuel that were used up in a one-hour period by three different types of motors. what type of visual display should the scientist use?

a. a bar graph

b. a circle graph

c. a line graph

d. a road map

Explanation:

To determine the appropriate visual display, we analyze each option:

• Option A (Bar graph): Bar graphs are used to compare different categories (here, three motor types) by showing the quantity (gallons of fuel) for each. This matches the need to display fuel usage for three distinct motors.
• Option B (Circle graph): Circle graphs (pie charts) show proportions of a whole, not comparisons of distinct categories with quantities, so it's not suitable.
• Option C (Line graph): Line graphs are for showing trends over time or continuous data, not comparing discrete categories like motor types, so it's incorrect.
• Option D (Road map): A road map is for navigation, not data visualization of fuel usage, so it's irrelevant.

Answer:

A. A bar graph