Name: ______Section: ______Date:_____/_____/_____
Practice Graphing Worksheet
Complete the following two questions using the same guidelines that we have practiced in class
Guidelines for Graphing:
1. Look at your data. Identify the independent and the dependent variables.
ü Independent Variable: The variable that you change or control.
ü Dependent Variable The variable that you measure and collect data about.
2. Look at the range of your data points. This will help you determine the scale on your graph. What maximum numbers must you be able to include?
3. Use a ruler to draw the x and y axis. Typically, the independent variable is plotted on the x axis and the dependent variable is plotted on the y axis.
ü One major exception is that we always plot time on the x-axis.
4. Label your x and y axis with the name of the variable and the units.
5. Make your graph as large as possible by spreading out the scale on each axis. Let each space stand for a convenient amount. Each axis must show the numbers you have chosen as your scale. Make sure that all of your data will fit, that your scale is consistent, and that your scale makes sense.
6. Plot your data points. Darken the data points so that they are clear.
7. If the data points appear to lie roughly in a straight line, draw the best straight line you can with a ruler. Have the line go through as many points as possible with approximately the same number of points above and below the line. NEVER CONNECT THE DOTS! If the points form a smooth curve rather than a straight line, draw the best smooth curve possible.
8. Title your graph. The title should clearly state the purpose of the graph and include the independent and dependent variables.
1. The table below summarizes Jack’s ride on his new skateboard.
Time (seconds) / Position (meters)0 / 0
5 / 30
10 / 60
15 / 90
20 / 120
a. Plot a position-time graph for Jack’s ride.
b. Draw the best-fit line through the data points.
c. Calculate the slope of your line. Use your calculator; do not leave it as a fraction. SHOW YOUR WORK! (make sure you specify the points you are using)
d. Use your graph to describe the motion of Jack’s ride on the skateboard.
e. What is Jack’s average speed on the skateboard?
2. The table below summarizes Linda’s motion:
Time (seconds) / Position (meters)0 / 40
10 / 36
20 / 28
30 / 25
40 / 19
50 / 16
60 / 9
70 / 5
80 / 0
a. Plot a position-time graph for Linda’s motion.
b. Draw the best-fit line through the data points.
c. Calculate the slope of your line. Use your calculator; do not leave it as a fraction. SHOW YOUR WORK! (make sure you specify the points you are using)
d. Use your graph to describe Linda’s motion.
e. What is Linda’s average speed?
3. A student walks 10 blocks to a computer store. (assume all blocks are equal in length.) She walks the first 2 blocks in 4 minutes. Then she stops for 1 minute. Next she walks another 6 blocks in 12 minutes. She realizes she dropped something when she stopped and she runs back the 6 blocks in 3 minutes. She now walks slowly for the remaining 8 blocks. Walking the last 8 blocks takes her 18 minutes.
a. Plot a position-time graph for the girl’s walk.
b. Draw the best-fit lines that represent the girl’s walk.
c. Calculate the slope of your lines. Use your calculator; do not leave it as a fraction. SHOW YOUR WORK! (make sure you specify the points you are using).
d. Find the girl’s average speed for each segment of the trip.
e. Find the girls’ average speed for the entire trip.