1. 9/19/16
HOW to make a graph
Objective: I will construct a graph from a data table and include all of the required parts of a graph.
PAGE 11

2. 1. Choose the type of graph
line graph: analyze trends over time

3. 1. Choose the type of graph
bar graph: compare categorical data

4. 2. Set up the x and y axis
x-axis is horizontal
y-axis is vertical x y

5. 3. Identify the independent and dependent variables
IV: the variable we control (x-axis)
DV: the variable we measure (y-axis)

6. 4. Label each axis with IV or DV
remember to include the units!!!

7. 4. Label each axis with IV or DVy
(cm)
Distance
Time
(minutes)

8. 5. Choose an appropriate scale
The scale must:
Fit the set of data
Be in even increments

9. 5. Choose an appropriate scale
Time (minutes)
Distance (cm)

10. 5. Choose an appropriate scale

11. 6. Plot the data
line graph: find the point where the x-value and y-value intersect
bar graph: draw a bar up to data value

12. 6. Plot the data (x,y) (4,4) (7,8) Time (minutes) Distance (cm)1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(x,y)
(4,4)
(7,8)

13. 7. Choose a title Can be a creative title or... DV vs. IV
ex. “Distance vs. Time”

15. 5. Choose an appropriate scalex y
Time
Distance
(minutes)
(cm) 1 1 1 1 1