3.10 Summary: Mathematical Models from Graphs

One of the most effective tools for the visual evaluation of data is a graph. The independent variable is conventionally placed on the x-axis. The dependent variable is placed on the y-axis. The ability to interpret what the graph means is an essential skill. You will be expected to learn to describe the relationship between the variables on a graph in two ways. One way will be to give a written statement (in words) of the general relationship between the two variables. The second is to develop an equation that will describe the relationship between these variables mathematically. We will call this equation a mathematical model of the physical relationship.

A summary of our mathematical models based on equations of each curve are shown in the table below.

A summary of our mathematical models based on the area under the curve are shown in the following table.