Year 10 - Maths
Checking understanding of scatter graphs
Graphical representations of data: scatter graphs and time series
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will learn how to interpret and extract data from scatter graphs and time series graphs.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to plot and interpret data points on scatter graphs.
Key Notes
- Data is given as pairs of values.
- The independent variable is placed on the horizontal axis.
- Placing the independent variable on the other axis reflects the data points in y=x but not the correlation type.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Bivariate data: Bivariate data has two variables, where each data point for one variable has a corresponding data point for the other variable.
- Scatter graph: A scatter graph is a visual representation for bivariate data. It can be useful when determining the nature of the relationship between the variables.
- Independent variable: An independent (explanatory) variable is a measure that is predicted to have an effect on another variable.
- Dependent variable: A dependent (response) variable is a measure whose value is predicted to be affected by an explanatory variable.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may be uncertain about which variable to plot on the horizontal axis if they are unsure about which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
Data is given as pairs of values. The independent variable is placed on the horizontal axis.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Bivariate data'
Bivariate data has two variables, where each data point for one variable has a corresponding data point for the other variable. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may be uncertain about which variable to plot on the horizontal axis if they are unsure about which is the independent variable and which is the dependent variable. Correction: Getting it wrong should not affect your interpretations of the data too much and sometimes neither variable might be dependent on the other. If you are unsure, consider which variable seems the most likely to be affecting the other in context.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Checking understanding of correlation Study Guide
- Constructing time series graphs Study Guide
- Estimating from scatter graphs Study Guide
- Interpolation versus extrapolation Study Guide
- Interpreting time series graphs Study Guide
- Outliers in scatter graphs Study Guide
- Problem solving with scatter graphs and time series Study Guide
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