Variables and Patterns Variables, Tables, and Coordinate Graphs
Interpreting Tables Table – A list of values for two or more variables that shows the relationship between them. Jumping Jack Experiment Time (secs) Total # of Jumping Jacks Tables are used to represent data made from: observations experiments a series of arithmetic operations Four Essential Parts of a Table 1. Title 2. Organization 3. Variables (with units) 4. Data
Making Graphs Variable A quantity that can change. Coordinate Graph A graphical representation of pairs of related numerical values. Independent Variable Its value determines the value of the other variable. The value can stand ALONE and it goes on the x-axis. (ex. Time) Dependent Variable Its value depends upon or is determined by the other variable and it goes on the y-axis. (ex. Cost) Coordinate Pair An order pair of numbers. (x,y). (0, 10) Scale A way to label the axes on a coordinate graph. KeY VoCaBuLaRy
Essential Parts of a Graph 1) The variables 2) The axes 3) The scale 4) The data points 5) The Title Create Scales Make sure to create an equidistant pattern. Find the lowest number and the highest number in the data set then choose a logical interval starting at zero. (go by 1’s, 2’s, 3’s, 5’s, 10’s, etc.) Dependent Independent X Y TITLE Making Graphs
Interpreting Graphs To interpret plotted lines compare the x axis to the y axis. Time Distance Time Distance As time increased the distance also increased. In the beginning as time increased, the distance increased. Then half way the time was still increasing, but the distance decreased.
Reading Data from Graphs Continuous Data: Continuing without interruption, this data can be in fractional parts. Connect the data points when: It shows changes over time. Benefit of connected data points? See patterns of change Predict and make estimates about other data.
Discrete Data: Individually distinct, this data must be in integer parts. Do not Connect the data points when: The data can not be in fractional parts
Creating Graphs Steps to make a Chart/Graph from a Narrative. 1.Find the start time. 2.Find the end time. 3.Look for other key events. 4.Fill in what you know and create the rest of the information.