MPM1D – Exam Review
Chapter 2: Relations
1. Distance-time graphs
These graphs show how someone moves over time.
The time is along the x-axis and the distance is along the y-axis.
The slope of the line is the speed:
i. A steep slope means the person is moving fast
ii. A positive slope means the person is moving away from the object, a
negative slope means they are moving towards the object.
iii. A horizontal (flat) line means there is no movement.
2. Correlation (positive, negative, no correlation)
Positive correlation means if one variable goes up, the other one also goes up.
For example: number of times per week eating at McDonald’s and weight
gained.
Negative correlation means if one variable goes up, the other one goes down.
For example: price of an album on iTunes and number of people who buy it.
No correlation means if one variable goes up, the other one won’t change. For
example: number of courses taken at school and number of siblings.
3. Independent and dependent variables
The independent variable is the variable you need to know first. Its value
determines the value of the dependent variable.
The dependent variable is the one that you measure or calculate based on the
value of the independent variable.
In equations, tables of values, and graphs, x is the independent variable and y
is the dependent variable.
4. Scatter plots
Determine your dependent and independent variables.
Plot the points. Be careful not to mix up x and y, and remember that positive
means up or to the right, negative means down or to the left.
Label your graph. This means add a title, label each axis, and include units.
Look for outliers: an outlier is a point that doesn’t fit the trend. It is very far
away from all other points.
Draw a line of best fit. This line passes through or close to as many points as
possible. There should be about as many points above the line as below the
line.
Interpolation means using your line of best fit to estimate a value that is
between two points on your graph.
Extrapolation means using your line of best fit to estimate a value that is
outside your graph (past all your points).