Problem

For whole-number data from \(10~\text{to}~80\) on an axis from \(0~\text{to}~80\), determine the tick step from \(0.1\), \(10\), or \(100~\text{units}\) that covers the range with \(5\text{--}12\) equal intervals. Give the interval count for each candidate and the resulting tick step.

Source scale-selection diagram: Graph whole-number data from 10 to 80 on an axis beginning at 0 and ending at 80. Choose from tick steps 0.1, 10, or 100 units using the rule: cover the range with 5–12 equal intervals. No candidate interval counts or selected step are shown.

Big Picture

What this problem is really about

Turn scale design into a calculation: divide the axis span by each proposed tick step to get its interval count. A workable step must align both endpoints, produce an allowed whole-number count of intervals, and avoid implying finer precision than the data actually support.

Answer choices

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Preview only

interval counts = step 0.1→800, step 10→8, step 100→0.8/not an integer interval count; selected step = 0.1 units because finer is treated as always better

interval counts = step 0.1→800, step 10→8, step 100→0.8/not an integer interval count; selected step = 10 units

interval counts = step 0.1→800, step 10→8, step 100→0.8/not an integer interval count; selected step = 0.1 units because a large range is treated as needing more ticks

interval counts = step 0.1→800, step 10→8, step 100→0.8/not an integer interval count; selected step = 100 units

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For whole-number data from \(10~\text{to}~80\) on an axis from \(0~\text{to}~80\), determine the tick step from \(0.1\), \(10\), or \(100~\text{units}\) that covers the range with \(5\text{--}12\) equal intervals. Give the interval count for each candidate and the resulting tick step.

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