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