How to draw a How to draw a line graphline graph

Yr 9 ScienceYr 9 Science

Line graphsLine graphs Line graphs can be useful for showing Line graphs can be useful for showing

the results of an experiment. You the results of an experiment. You usually use a line graph when you have usually use a line graph when you have to show two sets of measurements.to show two sets of measurements.

Here are the results of an experiment Here are the results of an experiment to find out how long a spring is when it to find out how long a spring is when it has different forces on it.has different forces on it.

Drawing Line graphsDrawing Line graphsForce (N)Force (N) Length (cm)Length (cm)

00 5511 101022 151533 212144 262655 323266 363677 4141

Drawing Line graphsDrawing Line graphs

Working out the scaleWorking out the scale First, look at your table of results and work out First, look at your table of results and work out

the largest number that has to go on each axis.the largest number that has to go on each axis. Now count the squares on your graph paper. If Now count the squares on your graph paper. If

there are not enough, try again, counting in 2s, there are not enough, try again, counting in 2s, or 5s, or 10s, until you find a scale that fits on or 5s, or 10s, until you find a scale that fits on the paper.the paper.

The first column of a table usually goes on the The first column of a table usually goes on the bottom (horizontal, x ) axis.bottom (horizontal, x ) axis.

Now plot the results from the spring Now plot the results from the spring experiment on graph paper.experiment on graph paper.

Two sets of resultsTwo sets of results

Sometimes you might want to put two sets of Sometimes you might want to put two sets of results on your graph so that you can compare results on your graph so that you can compare them.them.

You can draw the two lines in different colours, You can draw the two lines in different colours, or use different symbols for the points and put a or use different symbols for the points and put a key on your graph.key on your graph.

Now plot a graph showing the temperatures Now plot a graph showing the temperatures inside the cars. inside the cars. Don’t forget to put a title on your Don’t forget to put a title on your graph.graph.