How to create a graph and how to interpret different graph designs Graphing How to create a graph and how to interpret different graph designs
Rules for plotting data Identify the independent and dependent variables. Ind. Variable: A. the value you control / change B. always on the X-axis Dep. Variable: A. the result of the change to the I.V. B. always on the Y-axis
Rules for plotting data (cont.) Determine the range of the I.V. to be plotted Decide if a (0,0) origin is a valid data point Spread the data out as much as possible (each division on the graph paper should be the largest convenient unit) Number and label the X-axis Repeat steps 2 – 5 for D.V.
Rules for plotting data (cont.) Plot the data points Draw line of best fit or smooth curve DO NOT play connect the dots!!! Give the graph a title that tells what it represents Include any other info. that is asked (formula, equation, etc.)
Types of Graphs Linear Relationship – 1. Directly proportional 2. Graph : straight line 3. Equation : y = mx + b m = slope ; b = y-intercept 4. m = rise ∆y run ∆x
Types of Graphs (cont.) Linear Relationship (cont.) – 5. Y-intercept (b) = the Y value when the X value is 0. 6. When b = 0, the equation becomes y = mx
Linear Relationship Graph
Types of Graphs (cont.) Nonlinear Relationships – A. Quadratic Relationship: 1. Graph : Parabola 2. Equation : y = ax2 + bx + c (a, b, & c are constants) 3. if b = 0 and c = 0; then y =ax2 (if x gets larger, then y gets larger by the square of x)
Quadratic Relationship Graph
Types of Graphs (cont.) Nonlinear Relationships – B. Inverse Relationship: 1. Graph: Hyperbola 2. Equation: y = a/x or xy = a 3. As x gets larger, y gets smaller 4. This is an indirect relationship
Inverse Relationship Graph