DATA: Section 2-5

What are Scatter plots? Hmmm…

by: Codi Fant! (Click here for Codi's blog)

Scatter plots display dots representing a collection of data. These scatter plots determine if the data given is a positive or negative correlation or if it even has one at all. The purposes of these are to determine and examine the relationships between the variables. Each dot represents a single unit of data entered. The more dots entered the easier it is to see trends and patterns of the entered information.

Scatter plots are statistics applied to mathematics or the arts. Statistics are the representation of data.

Notes/Steps on scatter plots and graphing-

Push these buttons in order for scatter plot graphing/Section 2-5:

STAT (arrow) 1:EDIT - info – L1, L2 - Y= - PLOT1

Move arrow to highlight

Clear anything in Y=

ZOOM - 9:ZOOM - STAT – ENTER

Find equation

STAT (arrow) Cal - 4: Lin Reg (ax=b)

“Lin Reg (ax=b) L1(push: 2^nd +1), L2(2^nd+2), Y(Vars) (arrow) yVars – 1:Functon – ENTER

2^nd+ graph – Y= - 2^nd + Window – 2^nd + graph

Scatter Plot Magic

by: Maisie O'Brien (Click here for Maisie's Blog)

In our most recent Algebra class, we learned about data points, linear correlation and standard deviation/the distance between the points and the actual slope of the line.
Discovering the line in relation to your data (done on your trusty graphing calculator) is highly useful for discerning whether your data makes any sense and allows you to confirm trends. If the data points are all directly on the line, you know that you have a consistancy in whatever you are observing. If the data points gather around the general direction of your line, then that's o.k. too. Concern should only occur when you get sporadic points all over your graph-which indicates that you are recording very random things.

We also learned about Integral Theory, where the shape, color, size etc. represent different characteristics of each point such as the ethnicity or wealth of a country.
Ms. J showed us an interesting video about how to not make data boring : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVimVzgtD6w