Science Graphing Skills

Graphing Skills

By Jennifer Coulbourne

Number Lines

The simplest number line is one that goes from left to right. We refer to this side to side number line as the x axis.

Number Lines

When we add a vertical number line, the y-axis, its origin (0 point) lines up with the origin of the x-axis. Up is then positive, and down is negative.

Cartesian Coordinates

We represent points on a cartesian plane with coordinates. The x-axis coordinate is always the first number listed.

Multiple Choice

What are the correct coordinates for point S?

• (-4,6)

• (6,-4)

• (1,-3)

• (4,6)

Multiple Choice

What are the correct coordinates for point Y?

• (5,-3)

• (-3,5)

• (3,5)

• (5,3)

Slope of a line

When graphing, the slope of the line of best fit can be calculated using rise (y-axis) over run (x-axis).

​Δy / Δx

Find the slope of the line for the graph to the right.

​

Example #1​

​

Multiple Choice

Find the slope of the line for the graph.

• 1

• 4

• 0

• 8

Multiple Choice

Find the slope of the line for the graph.

• -1

• -4

• 0

• -8

Multiple Choice

Find the slope of the line for the graph.

• -1

• -4

• 0

• -8