Graphing Notes
Independent Variable- A variable whose value determines the value of other variables.
Place on the X-axis.
Dependent Variable- A mathematical variable whose value is determined by the
independent variable. Place on the Y-axis
Tables:
Tables should always be drawn with the x-axis on the left side of the table
Example:
Age vs. Height
The older you get the taller you grow.
Age is the independent variable (X) and Height is the dependent variable (Y)
Age (yrs.)
1
3
6
Height (in.)
22
35
50
Components of a good graph- all graphs drawn in Biology are worth 6 pts.
1. Title of the graph – 1 pt.
2. X-axis, drawn using a straight edge.
1 pt.
3. Y-axis, drawn using a straight edge.
4. Label on each axis with the units – 2 pts.
5. Values on the X-axis and Y-axis in even increments (evenly spaced). - 1 pt.
6. Independent Variable goes on the X-axis.
1 pt.
7. Dependent Variable goes on the Y-axis.
Line of Best Fit- A line through data points that DOES NOT have to connect each point.
The line shows the trend of the data as the Independent variable (X axis) increases
Example of a line of best fit: