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Graphing Vocabulary
graphing terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| bar graph | picture of the data that has been collected represented by bars; good for making comparisons |
| data | information that you collect using instruments (ruler, cylinder, etc.) |
| data table | an organized box where you record the data you collected during an investigation |
| dependent variable | this is what you are measuring or investigating; it changes and may not have even intervals; it is not predictable; listed on the y axis of graphs & listed after the independent variable on data tables |
| headings | a word or words that describes the data in a column or row of a data table or the x or y axis of a graph |
| horizontal axis (x) | The line on the bottom of a graph; this is where the independent variable is placed |
| independent variable | this is how you will measure your investigation; you know this before you begin; this is measured with regularity; measured at even intervals; listed on x axis on graphs & listed first on data tables |
| line graph | picture of the data that has been collected represented by a series of dots, plotted from ordered pairs |
| multiple line graph | a line graph that has more than one line plotted on it |
| numerical increments | The numbers plotted on the x and y axis that show your data; the numbers are plotted in even increments on both the x and y axis; for instance counting by twos or fives |
| ordered pairs | every set of numbers in a data table or graph is an ordered pair; the x or independent variable is always written first in an ordered pair |
| pie graph | picture of the data that has been collected, represented by a circle, or pie, cut into portions. Each portion, or sector, represents a group of the data collected. Used to show a percent of the whole; good for comparing parts to the whole |
| qualitative data | data that is represented using your senses; tells the quality of something such as color, smell, taste, etc. Is not a number. |
| quantitative data | data this is represented using numbers; collected using instruments; tells a quantity |
| title | a word or words that describes the data you collected in your data table or in your graph; generally represents both the x and y axis data |
| units | how you measure the variables; without units the data is meaningless |
| vertical axis (y) | the line on the side of a graph; this is where the dependent variable is placed |