Question

Ink for a chart to minimize graphical complexity, the data-ink ratio must be:

A. less than 1
B. greater than 1
C. close to 1
D. close to zero

Answer 1

To minimize graphical complexity, the data-ink ratio must be close to 1, which means that most of the ink used in the chart represents actual data, making the chart more effective.

Step-by-step explanation:

To minimize graphical complexity and make a chart clearer and more effective, the data-ink ratio, which refers to the amount of data-ink relative to the total ink used to print the graph, should be as high as possible while still presenting the essential information. The correct answer is therefore C. close to 1.

Here's why:

• Option A (less than 1) suggests that there would be more non-data ink than data-ink, which can clutter the graph.
• Option B (greater than 1) is not possible since you can't have more data-ink than the total amount of ink used.
• Option C (close to 1) implies that most of the ink used represents actual data, which is what we're aiming for.
• Option D (close to zero) would suggest that very little of the ink used represents data, which would likely make the graph ineffective at communicating information.