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Graphical Representation (Note)

Graphs are used to clearly represent data and show relationships between quantities, helping to identify errors in data recording. Guidelines for plotting include using graph paper, labeling axes with quantities and units, and choosing an appropriate scale. The document also explains how to plot data points, draw a line of best fit, and calculate the gradient of the graph.

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2 views2 pages

Graphical Representation (Note)

Graphs are used to clearly represent data and show relationships between quantities, helping to identify errors in data recording. Guidelines for plotting include using graph paper, labeling axes with quantities and units, and choosing an appropriate scale. The document also explains how to plot data points, draw a line of best fit, and calculate the gradient of the graph.

Uploaded by

alyssalorde837
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION

What is the purpose of graphs?


Graphs help to show information or data more clearly. They show the relationship between
quantities.
It shows also any errors – if points are way off of the line or curve, it may be the result of an
error in the recording of a result. These can be rechecked or redone in the experiment.

Guidelines for plotting graphs

• All graphs should be plotted on graph paper.


• All graphs have titles. It tells the readers what the graph is about. It is a good habit always
to write the title at the top of the graph.
• Each axis, x and y, must be labelled with the quantity and the associated unit that is
being plotted for example a graph of distance vs time

Choice of Scale

Use the most convenient scale that would have your graph covering MORE THAN ½ of the
graph scale. Some scales that can be used are
1cm to 1 unit (1:1)
1cm to 2 unit (1:2)
1 cm to 4 units (1:4)
1 cm to 5 units (1:5)

Scales should be chosen in such a way that data are easy to plot and easy to read.
Data Points

When plotting the points, you must first identify which set of values are your x values and which
are your y. The question usually tells you which set of values are which. The first quantity is in
the statement is usually the Y values and the second quantity is the X. Enter data points on a
graph by placing a small X at the coordinates of the point.

The Line of Best Fit is a line drawn that best represents where the points are plotted or
located on the graph

Gradient/Slope

The gradient of a line is determined by the ratio of vertical change to horizontal


change. Gradient (m) describes the slope or steepness of the line joining two points..

𝑌2 −𝑌1
m=
𝑋2 −𝑋1

Graph Exercises

The table shows the time it took an athlete to run a meter dash.

Distance/ m 15 32 50 65 80

Time/s 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0

(a). Plot a graph of Distance (y-axis) against Time (x-axis)


(b). Calculate the gradient of the graph.

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