Graphing - Edubirdie

University:
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Course:
PHYS-200 | Physics I with Calculus & Lab
Academic year:

2022
Views:

165

Pages:

3
Author:

ueffenv0k

Graphing ➔ Graphs are used to show trends and tables are used to show the exact value of something ➔ Procedures for Making Graphs ◆ The figure should largely fit on the graph paper. The graph should not be tiny and it shouldn’t be limited to one page corner ◆ 1. Determine which information goes on each appropriate axis ● X-Axis – independent variable (what is being manipulated/changed) ● Y-Axis – dependent variable (what is being measured) ○ To remember this, think “DRY MIX” ○ DRY – Dependent variable, “Responding” variable, Y axis ◆ The dependent variable “responds” to the independent variable ○ MIX – “Manipulated” variable, Independent variable, X axis ◆ The independent variable is what is “manipulated” ◆ For example, if you measured growth of a lemon tree over multiple years, you would graph the time (years) on the xaxis, and the growth (meters) on the y-axis ◆ 2. Once you have determined the information that goes on each axis, label the axes. Make sure to include units. ● Using the same example above, the x-axis would say “Time (in years),” and the y-axis would say “Growth (in meters)” ◆ 3. Determine the type of graph that would best represent your data ● If you have numerical values for both axes, you should draw a line graph. However, if there is a non-numerical category, then you should use a bar graph ○ If you were testing the growth (in meters) of three tree types after twenty years, you would need to plot a bar graph since both axes do NOT have numerical values; the types of trees (independent variable) is a category that involves words, not numbers. ○ The growth would still go on the y-axis since it is the dependent variable, and the type of trees would go on the x-axis since it is the independent variable ◆ 4. Use easy-to-read and even increments on both axes ● It is best to use increments of 1, 2, 5, or 10. Make sure to be consistent with the increments you use. You do not need to use the same increments on the x-axis as you do on the y-axis, but you must be consistent on both. ● For example, if you make the first square on the x-axis 10 meters, the next square must be 20 meters. Each square must represent 10 meters for the entire x-axis to stay consistent. You cannot randomly jump to 150 meters if the previous square is 10 meters without a sign to the reader. ○ You are allowed to do this, however, if you show the reader how you are clearly skipping numbers. You can only do this once in the graph. ◆ 5. Plot the points. ● For line graphs, plot the points where the numerical values on the x-axis and the y-axis intersect. Once you finish plotting all of the points, connect them with lines to show the trend ● For bar graphs, plot the numerical points above the words (categories) on the x-axis, and make a box-like shape (See the end of the previous page for reference) ◆ 6. Write a title for the graph. ● Ensure your title is descriptive and includes both variables: the independent variable and the dependent variable. This helps the reader understand the graph more ● The traditional format for the title is “The Effect of “independent variable” on “dependent variable” ○ Example: The Effect of Time on the Growth of a Lemon Tree ● Note: Some graphs may require a legend if more than one line is being drawn