GRAPHING

Graphing

• A quality graph requires the following elements:

– descriptive title

– labeled axes with units

– correct line spacing

– large data points

– most important it must describe the data.

Title

• The title should name the variables you are graphing, such as “Temperature versus Time.”

• When other people look at your graph they should be able to figure out what is plotted without asking!

Labels and Units

• Labels on the axes must include units

• The x-axis has the independent variable (constant number), such as time

• The y-axis has one or more dependent variables (changing number), such as temperature

Line Spacing (how to number your graph)

• Correct line spacing will reduce wasted space on a graph.

• Calculate your line spacing for each axis using the following formula:

1. Find the largest number in your data and subtract the smallest number

2. Divide by how many lines are on your graph paper. Do not count the first or last line

3. Round this value up

4. Start numbering with zero then your smallest data number

5. Increase each line by the line spacing value that you just calculated

6. Line spacing must be evenly distributed on the axes and allow all data to fit on the graph grid.

7. Add a squiggly line (~) between zero and the first data number if the spacing is different

Data Points

• Plot data points on the graph large enough to see

• Draw a line to connect the points

Key/Legend

• Include a legend or label the lines if graphing more than one variable per axis

Finished Graph

• Your finished graph should be easy to read and represent the data.

• What does your graph tell you? Does it make sense?