1. The problem asks us to analyze two graphs representing the number of graduates from a community college from 1999 to 2003 and to determine which graph is misleading and why. 2. Given data: - Years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 - Number of graduates: 140, 180, 200, 210, 160 3. Graph (a) shows these points connected with a vertical scale that starts just below 140 and goes slightly above 210. This scale exaggerates changes because it zooms in on the range 130 to about 220. 4. Graph (b) shows the same points with a vertical axis starting at 100 and going up to 250, which includes more headroom and presents a less steep slope. 5. Because graph (a) uses a narrow vertical scale focusing on values close to the data range, it makes variations look more dramatic. This can mislead viewers to think the enrollment fluctuated more severely. 6. Graph (b) uses a scaled vertical axis with a broader range that realistically represents the overall trend, showing a smaller relative peak and decline. 7. A college administrator wanting to convince people the college is stable would choose graph (b) since it presents less dramatic changes and avoids alarming viewers. 8. Therefore, graph (a) is the misleading representation because it exaggerates changes through its vertical scale. Final answer: - Graph (a) is misleading because it uses a compressed vertical scale, exaggerating changes. - A college administrator would use graph (b) to show less severe changes and avoid concerns.