7 Steps to making a line graph How

7 Steps to making a line graph How to construct a line graph Click the left mouse Button to advance the notes

7 steps to making a line graph Identify the variables n Determine the range n Determine the scale n Number and label each axis n Plot the data points n Draw the Trend line n Title the graph n

(1) Identify the variables n n Independent variable Always found on the Left of a Data Table Goes on the X axis (MIX) Dependent variable • Always found on the right of a data table • Goes on the Y axis (DRY) Sample Data table Number of days Number of bacterial Colonies 0 0 1 6 2 12 3 36 4 120 5 240 6 400 7 600

(2) Determine the range n n n What values must be on this graph? Subtract the lowest data value from the highest data value. (Each Variable) This must be done for each Variable n n Independent 7 -0= 7 Seven numbers must fit evenly across the bottom of the graph Dependent 600 -0=600 Six hundred numbers must fit evenly up the side of the graph Sample Data table Number of days Number of bacterial Colonies 0 0 1 6 2 12 3 36 4 120 5 240 6 400 7 600

(3) Determine the scale n n n The numerical value for each square. What scale should be used so that all your values fit on the graph? The scale can be different for each axis Must fill at least 75% of the graph paper Try the basics Count by 2, 5, 10, etc. • The graph to the side has seven blocks across its Y axis, we need 600 numbers to fit, therefore each block should count as one hundred numbers. • The graph to the side has eight blocks across its X axis, we need 7, therefore each block should count as one number

(4) Number and Label Both Axis n n After writing in the numbers on both axis write descriptive labels for each axis Include n Name of variables (From data Table) n Measurement type from the Metric System (Units, if included on Data table)

(5) Plot the data points n n n Putting your data on the graph, from the data table Your first data point is (0, 0) Your second point is (1, 6) count over 1 Number of spaceofand up. Number to where the 6 would be. days bacterial Place a dot there. Colonies Your third point is (2, 12) Count over 2 0 0 and up 12 and place a dot there. 1 6 Continue though the data table 2 12 3 36 4 120 5 240 6 400 7 600

(6) Draw the trend line n n DO NOT CONNECT THE DOTS!! Draw a line which best fits the patterns you created (Best fit line) This does not have to HIT every DOT!!! Can be a curve or a straight line, It shows the pattern!

(7) Title the graph n Use a descriptive title or the formula below n Dependent VS. Independent Number of Colonies V. S. Number of Days This graph is complete !!

7 steps to making a line graph Identify the variables n Determine the range n Determine the scale n Number and label each axis n Plot the data points n Draw the trend line n Title the graph n

Finding the correct spacing n Divide the scale by the range. If >1 n Round up to the nearest whole number, every line will equal that value If <1 n Divide the range by the scale, round down to the nearest whole # and every line equals that value