Introduction

Graphs are essential part of our everyday life. They provide valuable
information and without graphs we would be lost in a lot of confusing data.

Graphs are used in almost every subject and drawing and interpreting graphs
pose some difficulties for most students.

There are important decisions that can be made every day depending on what
a graph can tell us and what happened around us in the world can be
summarised between two axes.

Zani Alam

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 Graphs
Graphing is a special recording skill. Using graphs is a way of showing a picture or drawing of
some information. Graphs make the information easier to understand and use. They help us
as well understand and interpret our observations and make comparison by visually
displaying data.

There are many types of graphs. Each type is best used to show different forms of
information. Before we can graph a given set of data we should first decide which type of
graph is appropriate for summarising that data.

Graphs can help you to:

1- Understand what is happening in your data (analysis)

2- See trends in different variables (interpretation)
3- See how one factor affects another (correlation)
4- Communicate information to other people.

The main types of graphs used in class

Type of graphs Form of information Why they are used Example

Column graph Groups of things that have Used to compare things. Languages spoken in
and histogram been measured or Australia.
counted.
Line graph Two quantities that have Used to show trends or The growth of a plant.
been measured or changes over time.
counted. One is usually
the time.
Sector graph or Percentages or Used to compare the World energy
Pie graph proportions of different relative sizes of things. production.
things that make up a
whole.

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 Origin of the words graph and data

Graph Data

From the Greek word From the Latin word

Graphos Datum

Related words
A graph is a drawing
Chart From the Greek
word datum
Something drawn
Graphical record
Graph
orDiagram
written
The word graph reminds me of: There many
types of graphs
Telegraph A graph gives us
information
Phonograph

Mammography

Photograph

Graphical

Pie graph

Line graph
From the Latin word
Sector graph Datum means to give

DATA

Information

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Interpreting graphs
In order to interpret a graph there are a number of important parts that you must be able to
identify and read. Most graphs will have a:

a- Title: this gives you a short explanation of what the graph is about.
b- Horizontal axis: this is a line running across the graph. It has a label beneath
it. It may have a scale.
c- Vertical axis: this is a line running up the side of a graph. It has a label next to
it. It may have a scale.
d- The scales: the scales on horizontal or vertical axes are similar to the scales
found on many measuring instruments. A scale is a series of numbers that are
increasing or decreasing by the same amount. Part of the skill of interpreting
a graph is reading the scales on the axes. Each scale will be labelled with the
unit of measurement that has been used.
In addition some graphs will have a:

e- Source: this tells you where the information has come from.

f- Key: this explains any symbols used in the graph.

Remember
A scale is a series of
numbers that are
increasing or decreasing
by the same amount.

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Line graphs

Line graphs usually show a connected series of data. Unlike column graphs, they allow us to
estimate data between the points that are plotted.
Line graphs are used when two quantities have been measured. These quantities are called
variables. A line graph is used to show the relationship between two variables. A variable is
something that is continually changing. Often one of the variables is time. A line graph has
two lines or axes. One is the horizontal axis which goes from side to side. The other is the
vertical axis which goes up and down. The independent variable usually goes on the
horizontal axis. The dependent variable goes on the vertical axis.

Line graphs are used to show continuous data, that is, data in which the values follow on
from each other.

When to draw a line graph

A line graph is often used to represent a set of data values in which a quantity varies with
time. These graphs are useful for finding trends. That is finding a general pattern in data sets
including temperature, sales, employment, company profit or cost over a period of time.

Some examples where a line graph is the best to use

1. The influence of fertilizers on plant growth.

2. How heat affect the solubility of sugar
3. The growth of an organism over a lifetime.
4. The relationship between the speed of a car and its stopping distance.
5. Distance covered by a runner in 15 seconds.
6. Heating water in a beaker and recording the temperature every two or ten minutes.
7. The change of a person’s weight over various years.

Remember
The independent
variable usually
goes on the
horizontal axis.

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Things you should follow before drawing a line graph

1- Use graph paper

2- Use a pencil and a ruler
3- Draw in the two axes with a ruler
4- Put the independent variable on the horizontal axis
5- Scales increase upwards and from left to right
6- Scales on each axis should go up evenly
7- Adjust the scale to fit the range of the data
8- Give your graph a title
9- Label both axes with the name of the variable and the unit.
10- Plot the points accurately with a small x or .
11- Use a key with plotting symbols if you plot several lines.

Determine a Scale
Determining the scale and labelling the axes with numbers present difficulty for many
students.
The scales should start with 0 and climb based on intervals such as: multiples of 2, 5, 10, 20,
25, 50, or 100.
Start with the horizontal scale. If you are using graph paper, let 1 unit on the graph paper
equal 1 unit of the values you are graphing. Determine whether the greatest value will fit on
the graph. If it doesn't, then change the scale and try again. Now repeat this process for the
vertical scale.

Remember
Use a pencil
and a ruler

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How to construct a line graph
1- Draw the axes

Vertical axis

2- Identify the axes: the horizontal axis goes from side to side. The vertical axis goes
up and down. (Remember Y to the sky).

3- Identify the dependent and the independent variables: the independent

variable usually goes on the horizontal axis, called x-axis. The dependent variable
goes on the vertical axis or y-axis. (Dependent variable: what is observed and
measured. Independent variable: what is changed by the experimenter).

Refer to the online

Dependent presentation “variables and
variable graph” session 1, available
on the website:
Independent variable www.zanieducation.com

variable the axes: after deciding on the variable for each axis, label the axes
4- Labelling
with the variable and the units in which the variables are measured. The units are
written after the name of the variable and should be written between brackets:
(cm).
5- Setting up the scale: decide on an appropriate scale for each axis. The scale
refers to the minimum and maximum numbers used on each scale. Each axis
should be marked off with units that cover the entire range of the measurement.
The minimum and maximum numbers used for the scale should be a little lower
than the lowest value and a little higher than the highest value.
The distance between top and bottom values is broken up into equal divisions.
Each axis has its own range of values and uniform scale.
6- Putting in the values: a point is made for each pair of values by drawing an
imaginary line from each axis and then drawing a dot at the intersection point
(the meeting point).
7- Drawing the line: plot the points with a small dot or x then draw a line through
the points.
8- Title: the title should be selected to clearly but briefly tell what the graph is
about. Your graph title should start with: Graph of ……………….

Refer to the online presentation

“variables and graph” session 2.
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 Line graph

Line graphs are useful for showing how things change over time.
Title

Graph of the effect of temperature on the amount of salt dissolved

Unit

Dependent
variable

The scale on the vertical

axis is going up by 50

Jump= 50
Spaces= 2 Horizontal axis
Each line =50/2=
Unit
25

The scale on the axis is

going up by 20 Independent variable

Jump= 20
Spaces= 2
Each line
=20/2= 10

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Column graph and horizontal column graph
Horizontal column graphs have a series of horizontal blocks, while column graphs have a
series of vertical blocks. Basically a horizontal column graph is a column graph turned on its
side.
Column graphs and horizontal column graphs can be distinguished from histograms because
the blocks always have gaps between them, while histograms have no gaps. Histograms
also group numbers into ranges.

Use of column graphs

A column graph is used to show relationships between groups. The two items being
compared do not need to affect each other. It is a fast way to show big differences.
Column graphs are an excellent way to show results that are one time, that aren't
continuous - especially samplings such as surveys.

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How to construct a column graph
Column graphs are drawn with parallel columns placed vertically. The width of each bar and
the spacing between the bars are kept the same to avoid giving a misleading
representation.
The columns or bars can be used to show what is happening with one thing or they can be
divided into sections to represent several parts. The column can be drawn spaced evenly or
apart or together in groups.
1- Place numbers on the vertical axis. Non-numerical groups are placed on the
horizontal axis.
2- Draw two axes: one vertical and one horizontal. Make sure you leave room at the
edge of the page for your labels.
3- Columns should be of the same width and should not touch at all.
4- Arrange categories from smallest to largest if appropriate.
5- Label each axis.
6- The scale should go up evenly and cover the largest and smallest values.
7- Include scientific units where appropriate.
8- Include a title to explain what the graph is about. Your title should start with: Graph
of……..

Refer to the online presentation on

“Column graph”.

Remember
Place numbers
on the vertical
axis.

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 Title
nnnnn Month of birth

Summer: D,J,F
Autumn: M,A,M
Winter: J,J,A
Spring: S,O,N

All columns should have

the same width

1 cm

5
Numbers
4
are placed
on the 3
vertical 2
axis
1

0
Seasons

A gap at the
The horizontal axis (going
start which is across) shows the items
The spacing
half of the between the
column width columns is kept
(0.5 cm or the same
5mm)

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 Histogram

Title Graph of maths test scores by students No gaps between

columns

Frequency is Age
shown on the
vertical axis

The scores are shown on

There is a half
There is a half the horizontal axis
column gap
column gap
All columns have
the same width

Source: Connections Maths 9

Stage 5.2/5.1

A.Kalra, J.Stamell

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Sector graphs

Sector graphs are also called pie charts or pie graphs. A sector graph is best used for
showing percentages. It shows parts of a whole.
Sector graphs are useful to compare different parts of a whole amount and are often used
to present financial information.
A sector graph is a circular chart. Each quantity is graphed as a sector of the circle. The size
of the sector depends on the fraction it is of the whole (a circle is equal to an angle of 360o).
When a sector graph is created, each sector is constructed as a fraction of the whole.

How to construct a sector graph

1- Find the whole
Find the total value for the items on your graph. This is usually 100% or 1 whole.
2- Find the parts
Find exactly what fraction or precent each item represents. Take the quotient of the
part and the whole and then change the result to a precent.
3- Find the degrees for each part.
Every circle is made up of 360 degrees. To find the angle measure for each item
Divide the item by 100 and x 360.
4- Draw the parts. Use a protractor to draw each angle.
5- Label the each sector.
6- Write a title.

Be careful not to use too many segments in your sector graph. It will be too crowded if
you use more than six.

Use this link to learn more about sector graphs and to create a graph online.
http://www.mathsisfun.com/data/pie-charts.html

When do we use sector graphs?

Sector graphs are used to compare the parts of a whole. However, they are best used when
there are no more than five or six sectors and when the values of the sections are different.

Some examples where a sector graph can be used

• Type of cars people have Remember

• Sports played by students Sector graphs are
• Favourite channel best used when
• Favourite TV show there are no
• Favourite fruit more than five
• Air composition or six sectors.
• Preferred juice

Refer to the online presentation on

“sector graph”.
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Sector graph

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