Types of Graphs

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Variable Noun

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Variable

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A factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts and is measured, controlled, or manipulated in research.

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Example: This image shows an experiment where variables are measured. The graph plots the dependent variable (plant height) against the independent variable (time in weeks).

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Independent Variable Noun

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Independent Variable

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The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

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Example: In an experiment testing how light color affects a plant, the color of the light is the independent variable because it's the one thing you change.

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Dependent Variable Noun

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Dependent Variable

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The variable being tested and measured in an experiment, which responds to changes in the independent variable.

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Example: This diagram shows an experiment where plant growth is the dependent variable because it is the outcome that is measured and it 'depends' on the fertilizer.

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Categorical Variable Noun

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Categorical Variable

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A variable that can be sorted into distinct, non-numerical groups or categories, such as types of animals or months.

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Example: This bar chart shows data grouped by non-numerical categories. The 'Favorite Primary Color' (Red, Blue, Yellow) is a categorical variable because it sorts data into distinct groups.

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Numerical Variable Noun

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Numerical Variable

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A variable that represents a measurable quantity and is expressed as a number, such as height, weight, or temperature.

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Example: This image shows thermometers measuring temperature, which is a numerical variable because it is represented by a number (like 0°C or 100°C).

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x-axis Noun

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[eks-ak-sis]

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x-axis

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The horizontal axis on a graph, which is typically labeled with the name of the independent variable.

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Example: This diagram shows a coordinate plane, where the horizontal number line is labeled as the x-axis. It is used to measure positions left or right from the origin (0).

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y-axis Noun

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[wai-ak-sis]

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y-axis

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The vertical axis on a graph, which is typically labeled with the name of the dependent variable.

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Example: This diagram shows the y-axis as the vertical line on a graph, used to measure values up and down from the central point, or origin.

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Scale Noun

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[skeyl]

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Scale

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A series of equally spaced numbers marked along a graph's axis that covers the range of the collected data.

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Example: The numbers along the x-axis and y-axis of a graph create its scale, which shows the value or interval of each grid line.

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Legend Noun

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Legend

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A key included with a graph that explains what the different lines, colors, or symbols used to plot data represent.

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Example: This bar chart uses a legend at the top to explain what each color means. The legend shows that the yellow bars represent 'FRUIT SMOOTHIE'.

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Table Noun

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Table

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A visual tool that organizes data into columns and rows to make it easier to interpret and identify trends.

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Example: A table organizes data into rows and columns, like this example showing different characteristics of schools, making it easy to read and compare information.