1. Graphing Expectations

2. Graphing Rules
Use the full page of graph paper: scale the graph to use the full page
Yes!
No!

3. Graphing Rules
The independent (manipulated) variable goes on the x-axis
The dependent or responding variable goes on the y-axis
Ask yourself the question does “This” depend on “That” or visa versa? One way makes sense!!
Example: Science knowledge depends on time spent studying, not the other way around!!

4. Graphing Rules The graph title is in the form “y versus x”
Example: distance vs. time (no units required in title) indicates that distance is on the y-axis (responding or dependent) and time is on the x-axis (manipulated or independent).
Units will be included in the labels on the x and y axis.

5. Graphing Rules Circle your data points to represent plotting error.
distance (m)
time (s)
Distance vs. Time

6. Graphing Rules
When finding slope, calculations go on a separate sheet and not on the graph.
The calculations are written as follows:
formula stated (m = rise/run)
substitution of two points chosen far apart from each other (NOT data points but 2 NEW points) with units
final answer rounded to the least number of decimals in your data table.
Example:
m = rise/run
= (12.0 – 6.0)m/(3.0 – 2.0)s
= 6.0 m/s

7. Graphing Rules
The best-fit straight line is used (if linear) and data points may not be on the line of best fit.
Data should not be used for slope calculations, as a result
Note:
Best-fit line does NOT have to pass through origin (0, 0).
The points should be balanced above and below the best fit line.
This is clearly linear data.
The point outside the best fit line is called an outlier.
distance (m)
time (s)
Distance vs. Time