A table is an orderly arranged list of information, facts or data, usually set out in rows and columns, and which attempts to summarise a large mass of data by presenting it in a condensed form, which make it easier for better understanding.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A TABLE

1. A table must be very simple
2. It must be easy to understand
3. It must have a little of heading
4. The units of measurement used in the table must be stated
5. The purpose of constructing the table must be stated.

Importance of table

1. A table helps to summarize the data presented
2. It assists in an orderly arrangement of data
3. A table helps to bring out the important features in the data
4. It makes it easier and faster to make decision through the use of table.
5. A table helps to understand data.

EXAMPLE

The table below show the quality of motor cars demanded in a country in relation to the price.

NUMBER OF VECHICLES DEMANDED IN A COUNTRY

PRICE (NAIRA)	NO OF VEHICLES DEMANDED
50,000	800
200,000	50
450,000	300
800,000	120
1,000,000	60

CHARTS

This is another tool of presenting data through a diagrams or pictures. Charts gives visual display of data.

Examples of charts are bar charts, histogram, etc.

BAR CHARTS

Bar chart is a graph which shows the relationship between one variable and another. The graph is usually made up of bars. The lengths of the bars are usually drawn to be proportional to the magnitude of the data being represented. The main characteristics of bar charts are that the body of bars must not touch each other. There must be a space or gap between one bar and another. But chart may be arranged vertically or horizontally.

TYPES OF BAR CHARTS

There are three major types of bar charts. These are:

1. Simple bar chart
2. Compound bar chart
3. Multiple bar chart.

A SIMPLE BAR CHART

Simple bar chart is used when the data given are made up of only one item or component. The bar chart can be presented by tabulated data with evenly spaced bars, separated by gaps with the length proportional to the magnitude of the value given.

Example

The total value of accounts held with a bank between 1990 and 1993 are stated below. Present the information in the form of a simple bar chart.

Year	1990	1991	1992	1993
Account	100	200	300	400

Solution

Simple bar chart showing accounts held in a Bank (1990 – 1993)

COMPONENT BAR CHART

A component bar char is used when the data involved are more than one

Example

Below is the population of a school from 1998 to 1992. Present the data in the form of component bar chart.

YEAR	S S 1	S S 2	S S 3	TOTAL
1988	25	35	40	100
1989	40	50	60	150
1990	50	70	80	200
1991	75	75	100	250
1992	70	90	140	300

BAR CHART:

Is a rectangular bars of the same width with a corresponding frequency.

EXAMPLE

The holiday destinations of  100 candidates were as follows:

DESTINATION	UK	KENYA	USA	FRANCE	THAILAND
NO. OF CAND.	30	15	25	20	10

Represent the information above by means of: (a)  bar chart (b) histogram  (c) pie chart

SOLUTION

A BAR CHART SHOWING THE DESTINATION OF CANDIDATES