What type of chart effectively illustrates proportions?

• A. Line graph
• B. Bar chart
• C. Pie chart
• D. Scatter plot

Answer: (C)

A pie chart is particularly effective in illustrating proportions because it visually represents data as segments of a circle, where each segment corresponds to a specific category's contribution to the whole. This allows for an immediate visual impression of how much each category represents in relation to the total. The angles and areas of the segments make it easy for viewers to compare parts to the whole at a glance, which is essential when conveying proportional data.

In contrast, other types of charts serve different purposes. A line graph is primarily used to show trends over time, making it suitable for displaying continuous data rather than proportions. A bar chart compares quantities across different categories but does so through separate bars rather than as parts of a whole, which makes it less effective for showing how parts relate to a whole. A scatter plot illustrates the relationship between two variables and is especially useful for identifying correlations; it doesn't visually convey proportions in the same way as a pie chart does. This clarity in representing fractions of a total makes the pie chart the ideal choice for showcasing proportions.