Which of the following best describes how a Pareto chart differs from a standard vertical bar graph?

• A. A Pareto chart displays bars in descending order of frequency, while a standard vertical bar graph does not require any specific order.
• B. A Pareto chart is only used for numerical data, while a standard vertical bar graph is used for categorical data.
• C. A Pareto chart uses horizontal bars, while a standard vertical bar graph uses vertical bars.
• D. A Pareto chart always includes a line graph showing the mean, while a standard vertical bar graph does not.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a standard vertical bar graph represents: it displays categorical data with bars of heights proportional to the frequency or count of each category, but the order of the bars is not necessarily sorted.
2. Learn the key characteristic of a Pareto chart: it is a special type of bar graph where the bars are arranged in descending order of frequency or count, from highest to lowest.
3. Recognize that a Pareto chart often includes a cumulative percentage line, but the defining feature is the ordering of bars, not necessarily the presence of a line graph showing the mean.
4. Compare the options given by focusing on the ordering of bars and the type of data used: Pareto charts are typically used for categorical data, just like standard bar graphs, but with bars sorted by frequency.
5. Conclude that the best description is that a Pareto chart differs from a standard vertical bar graph because it displays bars in descending order of frequency, while a standard vertical bar graph does not require any specific order.