1. Analyzing Data After an experiment, you will typically graph the data collected in order to perform your analysis. Suppose that your data points resemble more than one of the graphs you have learned in this class …. How do you determine which graph to use for your best fit line?

2. Linearization The process of taking a graph and verifying that the relationship between the independent variable (x- axis) and the dependent variable (y-axis).

3. Test Plot The method utilized to manually test data is called linearization. This method involves guessing the type of graph that the data could possibly resemble. Therefore, you need to guess the relationship between x and y. This is where it gets confusing!!!!

4. Linearized Data Set Once you have chosen the relationship, use the equation to create the linearized data set (test plot). i.e. Guessed Relationship: y = x 2 Create a new data set where the old values for x are now squared. The values for y should never change. Now, graph the data!

5. Test Plot (continued) If the test plot demonstrates a linear relationship between the perceived independent variable (x-axis) and perceived dependent variable (y-axis) then YOU HAVE VERIFIED THAT YOUR DATA INDEED INDICATES THAT YOUR GUESSED RELATIONSHIP IS CORRECT!!!