Graph Terminology Quiz

Introduction to Graph Terminology

• A graph consists of perpendicularly intersecting lines called axes.
• The range of the scale on a graph represents all the numbers from where the perpendicular lines intersect to the edge of the graph.
• The scale of the graph represents the value of each tic mark present on the graph.

Understanding the Axis on a Graph

• A graph is made up of a coordinate grid, also known as an axis graph.
• The axis graph shows the intersection of two real number lines: one horizontal (X-axis) and one vertical (Y-axis).
• The X-axis is the independent variable of the data set, while the Y-axis is the dependent variable of the same data set.
• A point on a graph is listed as an ordered pair (X, Y).

Graph Line Names: X and Y Axes

• The X-axis is the horizontal line, representing the independent variable.
• The Y-axis is the vertical line, representing the dependent variable.
• The X and Y axes are normally defined as ordered pairs in data sets, denoted as (X, Y).

The X-Axis on a Graph

• The X-axis is the horizontal line, representing the FIRST number in an ordered pair (X, Y) for a data point on a graph.
• The X-axis runs left-to-right, or horizontal.

The Y-Axis on a Graph

• The Y-axis is the vertical line, representing the SECOND number in an ordered pair (X, Y) for a data point on a graph.
• The Y-axis runs up-and-down.

X, Y-Axis Chart

• Graphs can be either linear (showing changes in data that create a straight line) or polynomial (showing changes that vary).
• Linear axis charts show that a change in X produces the same change in Y.
• Polynomial axis charts show that a change in X does NOT produce an equal value of Y.

Which Axis Goes First?

• When plotting an ordered pair, the value of X goes first, and the value of Y is second.
• To create a data point, take the value of X, move horizontally to that number, then move vertically to the value of Y to plot the data point.

Exploring the Range of a Graph

• The range of a graph is found by moving vertically to find the difference between the highest and lowest values of Y.
• The range is the difference between the highest and lowest values for data in the direction of the Y-axis.

How to Find the Range on a Graph

• Find the lowest and highest values on the Y-axis.
• Subtract the smallest number from the largest number to find the range.

What is the Domain of a Graph?

• The domain of data is the difference between the highest and lowest values for data on the X-axis.
• The domain is found by subtracting the lowest number on the X-axis from the highest number on the X-axis.