GRAPHING DATA

YOU WILL ANALYZE DATA AND DECIDE WHAT TYPE OF GRAPH WILL REPRESENT

YOUR DATA MOST ACCURATELY.

PRESENTED BY: MANOJ PATEL ASST. PROFESSOR

JHUNJHUNWALA BUSINESS SCHOOL

WHAT IS DATA?

Values derived from scientific experiments.

Data = dependent variable

ORGANIZING DATA IN TO GRAPHS: Graphs are pictures that help us understand

amounts. These amounts are called data. There

are many kinds of graphs, each having special

parts.

Pie chart

Bar graph

Line graph

Pictograph

A pie chart is shaped like a circle. It is

divided into fractions that look like pieces of

pie. Pie charts are best to use when you are

trying to compare parts of a whole. They do

not show changes over time.

All “parts”

add up to

100%.

A bar graph uses bars to show data. The

bars can be vertical (up and down), or

horizontal (across). Bar graphs are used to

compare things between different groups.

Line graphs can be used to show how something changes over time. Line graphs are good for plotting data that has peaks (ups) and valleys (downs).

A pictograph uses pictures or symbols to

represent an assigned amount of data.

The Title

The title offers a short explanation of what

is in your graph. This helps the reader

identify what they are about to look at. It

can be creative or simple as long as it tells

what is in the graph.

Y-Axis

In line graphs, the y-axis runs vertically (up and

down). Typically, the y-axis has numbers for the

amount of “stuff” being measured. The

y-axis usually starts at 0 and can be divided

into as many equal parts as you want to.

X-Axis

In line graphs the x-axis runs horizontally

(flat). Typically, the x-axis has numbers

representing different time periods or names

of things being compared.

TYPICALLY, THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE IS PLOTTED ON THE X-AXIS AND THE DEPENDENT VARIABLE IS PLOTTED ON THE Y-AXIS.

Dependent

Variable

Independent Variable

The Key or Legend

The legend tells what each line or bar

represents. Just like on a map, the

legend helps the reader understand

what they are looking at.

Labels

The x and y-axis need to be labeled

so that the reader knows what is

plotted on each axis.

How to number the x and y axis

When numbering the axis, make sure to plan out how

you will number the axis so that the range of numbers

fit along the axis. Be sure to evenly space the

numbers on each axis so that your data is accurately

illustrated.

GRAPHING CHECKLIST

Decide on the type of graph (line or bar)

Draw the x and y-axis

Number each axis (evenly space numbers)

Label each axis (include units)

Title the graph

Plot the data

Draw line or bars for the chosen graph

Make a key (legend)