Using the table below, which category would appear first in a Pareto Chart representing the data?
Table of contents
- 1. Intro to Stats and Collecting Data55m
- 2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs1h 55m
- 3. Describing Data Numerically1h 45m
- 4. Probability2h 16m
- 5. Binomial Distribution & Discrete Random Variables2h 33m
- 6. Normal Distribution and Continuous Random Variables1h 38m
- 7. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Mean1h 53m
- 8. Sampling Distributions & Confidence Intervals: Proportion1h 12m
- 9. Hypothesis Testing for One Sample2h 19m
- 10. Hypothesis Testing for Two Samples3h 22m
- 11. Correlation1h 6m
- 12. Regression1h 4m
- 13. Chi-Square Tests & Goodness of Fit1h 20m
- 14. ANOVA1h 0m
2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs
Bar Graphs and Pareto Charts
Problem 2.T.5b
Textbook Question
The table lists the number of albums by The Beatles that received sales certifications. Display the data using (b) a Pareto chart. (Source: Recording Industry Association of America)


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Step 1: Understand the concept of a Pareto chart. A Pareto chart is a type of bar graph where the bars are arranged in descending order of frequency or importance. It often includes a cumulative percentage line to show the proportion of the total represented by the bars.
Step 2: Organize the data in descending order based on the number of albums. From the table, the order will be: Gold (48), Platinum (42), Multi-Platinum (26), Diamond (6).
Step 3: Calculate the cumulative frequency for each category. Start with the highest frequency (Gold) and add the frequencies sequentially: Gold (48), Gold + Platinum (48 + 42 = 90), Gold + Platinum + Multi-Platinum (90 + 26 = 116), and finally Gold + Platinum + Multi-Platinum + Diamond (116 + 6 = 122).
Step 4: Compute the cumulative percentage for each category. Divide each cumulative frequency by the total number of albums (122) and multiply by 100 to get the percentage. For example, Gold cumulative percentage = (48 / 122) * 100.
Step 5: Create the Pareto chart. Plot the bars for each category in descending order of frequency (Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, Diamond). Overlay a cumulative percentage line on the chart, starting at the first bar and increasing as you move to the next category.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Pareto Chart
A Pareto chart is a type of bar graph that represents the frequency or impact of problems in a process, arranged in descending order. It is based on the Pareto principle, which states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. In this context, the chart will visually display the number of albums by The Beatles that received different sales certifications, highlighting the most significant categories.
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Sales Certifications
Sales certifications are awards given to music albums based on the number of copies sold. Common certifications include Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and Diamond, each representing different sales thresholds. Understanding these certifications is crucial for interpreting the data, as they indicate the commercial success of The Beatles' albums.
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Data Visualization
Data visualization is the graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts and graphs, complex data sets can be made more accessible and understandable. In this case, creating a Pareto chart will help to quickly convey the distribution of album certifications, allowing for easier comparison and analysis of The Beatles' sales performance.
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