GraphsHow to plot data so the relationship is visible and testable.PhysicsTurning data into a usable graph.1Rearrange to y = mx + cDecide what to plot so the expected relationship is a straight line.2Choose scalesUse sensible divisions and fill at least half the paper in bothdirections.3Plot with error barsShow the uncertainty on each point, not just the point.4Draw the best fitA line through the trend, with roughly equal points either side.5Find gradient and interceptUse a large triangle spanning most of the line, and read off both.6Draw worst-fit linesSteepest and shallowest lines through the error bars give theuncertainty.Gradient uncertainty is half the difference between the best and worstacceptable gradients.Graphslearnposters.com
Graphs — printable physical science wall chart from LearnPosters. Free vector PDF, US Letter and A4.

Graphs, step by step

Turning data into a usable graph.

  1. Rearrange to y = mx + cDecide what to plot so the expected relationship is a straight line.
  2. Choose scalesUse sensible divisions and fill at least half the paper in both directions.
  3. Plot with error barsShow the uncertainty on each point, not just the point.
  4. Draw the best fitA line through the trend, with roughly equal points either side.
  5. Find gradient and interceptUse a large triangle spanning most of the line, and read off both.
  6. Draw worst-fit linesSteepest and shallowest lines through the error bars give the uncertainty.

Gradient uncertainty is half the difference between the best and worst acceptable gradients.

Questions about the Graphs poster

What’s on the Graphs poster?
6 numbered steps. Turning data into a usable graph. Rearrange to y = mx + c — Decide what to plot so the expected relationship is a strai…; Choose scales — Use sensible divisions and fill at least half the paper in both direc…; Plot with error bars — Show the uncertainty on each point, not just the point.; Draw the best fit — A line through the trend, with roughly equal points either side.; Find gradient and intercept — Use a large triangle spanning most of the line, and rea…; Draw worst-fit lines — Steepest and shallowest lines through the error bars give the…. Gradient uncertainty is half the difference between the best and worst acceptable gradients.
Who is the Graphs poster for?
Graphs belongs to the Physics section rather than to a school year, because physical science is not something one grade owns. Anyone learning methods can pin it up — a beginner, a student mid-course, or someone revising years later.
When should you use the Graphs poster?
Plot so that a straight line is expected. Gradient and intercept then mean something. A wall chart earns its place by being glanceable from where the work is happening, so Graphs belongs on the wall where that physical science work actually happens, within glancing distance, rather than filed away.
What other posters go with Graphs?
Accuracy & Precision, Analysing Results and Dimensional Analysis sit alongside Graphs in the Physics section. Printed together they make a wall rather than a single sheet, which is how a reference set actually gets used.Accuracy & PrecisionAnalysing ResultsDimensional Analysis
Is the Graphs poster free to download and print?
Yes. Graphs downloads as a free PDF with no account, no email and no watermark, like everything else in the Physics section. Print as many copies as you like for a home, a classroom, a library or a tutoring group; reselling the file is the only thing the licence rules out.Read the licence
What size does the Graphs poster print at?
Graphs is a vector PDF laid out for US Letter, and prints on A4 with Fit to page — the same file, no separate download. Because every mark on it is drawn rather than photographed, it stays sharp enlarged to A3, A2 or A1 at a copy shop. Colour carries emphasis only, so a greyscale print of Graphs loses nothing.Printing guide

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