Choosing Graph scale....

E

eben

Registered Member
I really find it difficult to choose a scale for my physics graphs,what do I do?

I'm okay with values whole number values like 2,4,6 .

However,I find it hard to chooses scale for graphs involving decimals ....

I really need this for WASSCE exams.I think it's the equivalent of GCSE,ICGSE,etc
 
eben said:
I really find it difficult to choose a scale for my physics graphs,what do I do?

I'm okay with values whole number values like 2,4,6 .

However,I find it hard to chooses scale for graphs involving decimals ....

I really need this for WASSCE exams.I think it's the equivalent of GCSE,ICGSE,etc
Click to expand...
What do you want to start with? A
 
eben said:
I want to understand or know how to choose a scale to draw graphs with decimals.
Click to expand...

If your data are decimal values that doesn’t mean you have to label your axis intervals with decimals. You can label your axes with whole numbers – you simply plot your decimal values accordingly. If your graph is for indicative value only, then you just take your best guess as to where the decimal data points lie between the whole number intervals. If, however, you need an accurate graph because you need to derive values from the graph, then you’ll need to use fine graph paper (or, alternatively, a computer graphing app).
 
eben said:
I don't understand what you mean?
If my understanding of your question is correct,I want to understand or know how to choose a scale to draw graphs with decimals.
Click to expand...
Apologies that was an unhelpful question (I was out yesterday)

The guys have answered but I will input also.

Your graph must include all the data, that's a given. If your Y axis is time say, and your study is over 10 days, months or years, then you need ten evenly spaced points on the bottom.
Say you have a point at 1 1/2 days? Or after 4 months? For the first point you go between day 1 and day 2
 
eben said:
I don't understand what you mean?
If my understanding of your question is correct,I want to understand or know how to choose a scale to draw graphs with decimals.
Click to expand...
Apologies that was an unhelpful question (I was out yesterday)

The guys have answered but I will input also.

Your graph must include all the data, that's a given. If your Y axis is time say, and your study is over 10 days, months or years, then you need ten evenly spaced points on the bottom.
Say you have a point at 1 1/2 days? Or after 4 months? For the first point you go between day 1 and day 2
 
I drew the above by hand deliberately, to illustrate the fact you do not need a ruler.
You can if you want/ have time, mark out/ measure intervals with a ruler.
 
I blew up the graph between points 2 and 3 and lightly guessed ten spaces between for 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 etc.
 
Pinball1970 said:
eben Does this help?
Click to expand...

Sorry for my late reply,
It does actually, I'm really grateful.
Last question,suppose I choose a scale like 2cm:2units on an actual graph sheet and I'm plotting 2.5, do I round 2.5 to 3 and plot it, because 2.5 falls between 2.6 and 2.4 on an actual graph sheet with.
 
eben said:
Sorry for my late reply,
It does actually, I'm really grateful.
Last question,suppose I choose a scale like 2cm:2units on an actual graph sheet and I'm plotting 2.5, do I round 2.5 to 3 and plot it, because 2.5 falls between 2.6 and 2.4 on an actual graph sheet with.
Click to expand...
Generally I would not alter a data point because that could skew your graph.
Can you take an image of what you mean so I am clear?
 
eben said:
Last question,suppose I choose a scale like 2cm:2units on an actual graph sheet and I'm plotting 2.5, do I round 2.5 to 3 and plot it, because 2.5 falls between 2.6 and 2.4 on an actual graph sheet with.
Click to expand...
Why not just plot the 2.5 point half way between the 2.4 and 2.6 markings on the graph?
 
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