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Question

Which one of the following is not correct?

The proportion of various items in a pie diagram is proportional to the

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

Perimeters of the slices

Understanding Proportions in a Pie Diagram

A pie diagram, also known as a pie chart, is a circular statistical graphic divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportion. In a pie diagram, the entire circle represents the whole or 100% of the data, and each slice represents a proportion of that whole.

For a pie diagram to accurately represent the data, the size of each slice must be proportional to the value it represents. This proportionality is typically measured in several ways:

  • Area of slices: The area of each sector (slice) is proportional to the value of the item it represents. A larger value corresponds to a larger area.
  • Angles of slices: The angle subtended by each slice at the center of the circle is proportional to the value of the item. The sum of all central angles in a pie diagram is 360 degrees. The formula for the angle of a slice is:

\[ \text{Angle} = \left( \frac{\text{Value of item}}{\text{Total value}} \right) \times 360^\circ \]

  • Lengths of the curved surface arcs of slices: The length of the arc of each slice is also proportional to the value of the item. The total circumference of the circle represents the total value. The formula for the arc length of a slice is:

\[ \text{Arc Length} = \left( \frac{\text{Value of item}}{\text{Total value}} \right) \times \text{Circumference} = \left( \frac{\text{Value of item}}{\text{Total value}} \right) \times 2\pi r \]

where \(r\) is the radius of the circle.

Analysing Pie Diagram Proportionality Options

Let's examine each option provided in the question about what the proportion of various items in a pie diagram is proportional to:

  • Area of slices: As discussed above, the area of a slice is directly proportional to the value it represents. This is a fundamental principle of pie diagrams.
  • Angles of slices: The central angle of a slice is directly proportional to the value it represents. This is also a fundamental principle and is often the method used to construct a pie diagram.
  • Lengths of the curved surface arcs of slices: The arc length of a slice is directly proportional to the value it represents, as it is a fraction of the total circumference determined by the central angle.
  • Perimeters of the slices: The perimeter of a pie diagram slice consists of the arc length and two radii. The formula for the perimeter of a slice is:

\[ \text{Perimeter of slice} = \text{Arc Length} + 2 \times \text{Radius} = \left( \frac{\text{Value of item}}{\text{Total value}} \right) \times 2\pi r + 2r \]

While the arc length part of the perimeter is proportional to the item's value, the \(2r\) part (the two straight edges) is constant for all slices in the same pie diagram, regardless of their value. Therefore, the total perimeter of the slice is not directly proportional to the value of the item. Two slices representing different proportions will have perimeters that are not in the same ratio as their values, because of the constant addition of \(2r\).

Identifying the Incorrect Statement

Based on the analysis, the proportion of various items in a pie diagram is proportional to the area of the slices, the angles of the slices, and the lengths of the curved surface arcs of the slices. It is *not* proportional to the perimeters of the slices.

Therefore, the statement that is not correct is that the proportion of various items in a pie diagram is proportional to the Perimeters of the slices.

Revision Table: Pie Diagram Proportionality

Feature of Slice Is it Proportional to Item's Proportion? Reason
Area Yes Area of a sector is \( \frac{\theta}{360^\circ} \times \pi r^2 \). Since \( \theta \) is proportional, Area is proportional.
Central Angle Yes By definition and construction, the angle is calculated to be proportional to the value.
Arc Length Yes Arc length is \( \frac{\theta}{360^\circ} \times 2\pi r \). Since \( \theta \) is proportional, Arc Length is proportional.
Perimeter No Perimeter is Arc Length \( + 2r \). The \( 2r \) part is constant and prevents direct proportionality to the item's value.

Additional Information on Data Visualization

Pie diagrams are useful for showing the relative proportions of a whole, especially when the number of categories is small. However, they can be difficult to read accurately when comparing the sizes of slices that are very similar in proportion, or when there are many categories.

Other common data visualization methods include:

  • Bar graphs: Useful for comparing quantities across different categories. The length of the bars is proportional to the values they represent.
  • Histograms: Used to show the distribution of a continuous variable. The area of each bar is proportional to the frequency in that interval.
  • Line graphs: Primarily used to show trends over time or another continuous variable.
  • Scatter plots: Used to show the relationship between two numerical variables.

Each type of chart has its strengths and weaknesses for representing different types of data and highlighting specific aspects of the data.

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Similar Questions

  1. In a pie diagram, there are four slices with angles 150°, 90°, 60° and 60°. A new pie diagram is formed by deleting one of the slices having angle 60° in the given pie diagram. In the new pie diagram


Important Questions from Pie Chart

  1. The given pie-diagram shows the expenditure incurred on the preparation of a book by a publisher, under various heads. Study the pie-diagram and answer the question that follows.

    Various Expenditures (in percentage) incurred in Publishing a Book

    The marked price of a book is 20% more than the CP. If the marked price of the book is ₹30, then what is the cost of paper used in a single copy of the book?

  2. Study the given pie-charts and answer the question that follows.

    The pie-charts show the characteristics of foreign tourists visiting India during a given year.

    If in a given year, 2,50,000 tourists visited India and the age-wise distribution of data applies to all the countries, then the number of Russian tourists who visited India during the year and were in the age group above 50 years is:

  3. A battery manufacturer manufactures five different types of batteries. The total revenue for the year 2020 is Rs.25,00,000, and 20,000 units were exported in 2020. The distribution of revenue and units for the five different types of batteries is shown in the charts.

    Which type of battery provides the lowest revenue per unit?

  4. What type of chart is used to compare parts of a whole in MS-Excel?

  5. The average of two numbers is M. If one number is N, then the other number is:

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