3. Graphical Analysis and Mathematical Models

Once you have created a graph, the next step in understanding your data is performing a mathematical analysis on your graph to generate a mathematical model which describes your data. The following pages discuss the proper analysis techniques for various trends in your data.

• 3.1 Interpreting the Graph

• 3.2 No Relation

• 3.3 Linear Relations

• 3.4 Linear Relationships with a y-intercept

• 3.5 Direct Proportions

• 3.6 Square Relations: Top Opening Parabolas

• 3.7 Square Relations: Side Opening Parabolas

• 3.8 Inverse Relations

• 3.9 Area Under the Curve

• 3.10 Summary: Mathematical Models from Graphs