A graph needs a concise title that clearly describes the data that it is showing
ID: 100924 • Letter: A
Question
A graph needs a concise title that clearly describes the data that it is showing. Data must be put on the correct axes of the graph. In general, the data you collected (representing what you are trying to find out about) goes on the vertical (Y) axis. The supporting data that that describes how, when or under what conditions you collected your data goes on the horizontal (X) axis. (For this reason time nearly always goes on the X-axis). Selecting the type of graph is important. Usually a graph that includes a continuous X-axis variable is presented as a line graph. A time series graph would be an example of this. A graph that includes a discrete X-axis variable, for example comparing the amount of chlorophyll in different species of plants, would be presented as a bar graph. Axes must be labeled, including the units in which data were recorded Data points should be clearly marked and identified: a key is helpful if more than one group of data is included in the graph. The scale of a graph is important. It should be consistent (there should be no change in the units or increments on a single axis) and appropriate to the data you collected For each scenario identify whether you need a bar graph or line graph and which variable belongs on the x and the y axis.Explanation / Answer
Scenario Bar or line graph Variable on x Variable on y 1. Size (by mass) of squid at different water depths off the California coast Line graph Water depth off the California coast Size (by mass) of squid 2. Number of bees visiting each of six species of plant Bar graph Species of plant Number of bees visiting 3. Amount of saturated and unsaturated fat in two different brands of potato chip Bar graph Brand of potato chip Amount of saturated and unsaturated fat 4. Number of different species encountered at each mile along the Pacific Coast Trail Line graph Distance along the Pacific Coast Trail (miles) Number of species encountered 5. Weight gained by cattle each month on a diet of grass or corn Bar graph Month Weight gained by cattle on diet of grass or corn