Graphs
which graph to use for seeing if two variables you measure are related
XY plot
outlier
a data point that ends up far from the trendline and does not match the pattern for other data points
trendline
a line drawn onto an XY plot, bar graph, or line graph showing the relationship between most of the data points. It may be straight or curved, and go up or down.
Graph
a visual representation of data
where to put your useful title
above graph
When to make a graph
after you are done with an experiment. Use your data table to record the info for your graph!
which graph to use for comparing amounts
bar graph
where to label your independent variable
below X axis, or in the key of a pie chart
where to label your dependent variable
on the left of the Y axis... except in pie charts, where your dependent variable makes your sectors different sizes
which graph to use for examining parts of a whole
pie chart
Basic graph types
pie chart, bar graph, line graph, XY plot
which graph to use for examining something that changes over time
line graph
Why make a graph
it's easier to see patterns or trends in data
data label
when you record exact measurements from your data table directly onto your graph, near the points, bars, or pie sectors