Uses of graphs

Graphs are used for better understanding. For example, using these graphs, the performance of two batsmen can be compared, performance of two bowlers can also be observed in a cricket match. Also, in population studies, these graphs are used to compare the birth and the death rate, and other kinds of data.

Types of graphs

There are three types of graphs:

• Bar graphs
• Pie charts
• Line graphs

Bar graph

A bar graph is also known as a histogram. A bar graph consists of horizontal or vertical bars that show the values of one quantity against another. These are useful when there is a numerical comparison. For example, it compares the performance of a team across matches in a series.

Pie charts

A circular graph used to represent relative percentages or shares of a total. It looks like a pie cut into several slices, and hence the name pie chart. Each slice is called a sector of the chart. A pie chart is used to showcase a whole quantity and the whole quantity is broken into parts.

Line graph

A line that joins dots plotted on a graph paper is called a line graph. It is used to show the variation of a quantity with respect to another. A line graph represents two pieces of information that are usually related. It is useful when comparisons are needed. For example, these graphs are used to represent the changes in speed over a journey.

Plotting a graph

To plot a graph on a graph sheet:

• Take a graph paper.
• At the centre of the paper, draw two lines perpendicular to each other.
• Mark the point of intersection of the lines as ‘O.’

The horizontal line is called the X-axis, while the vertical line is called the Y-axis. The point of intersection of the two axes is called the origin, "O".

Take one quantity along the X-axis and the other along the Y-axis, after choosing suitable scales for both. For every value along one axis, mark a point matching the related value on the other axis.
Join the points, and your graph is ready.

Shape of the graph

Body in uniform motion:

The graph for a body in uniform motion will be straight line making angle horizontally.

Body at rest:

The speed of a body at rest speed is zero at any point of time. Hence, its graph is a straight line along the X-axis.

Body in non-uniform motion:

For a body in non-uniform motion, the graph is not a straight line.

Summary

• A diagram showing the relation between typically two variable quantities, each measured along one of a pair of axes at right angles.
• Motion of objects can be presented in pictorial form by their distance-time graphs.
• The distance-time graph for the motion of an object moving with a constant speed is a straight line.