Straight Line Graph Plotter & Analyzer
Plot Custom Coordinates & Analyze Line
Enter (x,y) coordinate pairs to plot them and find the line of best fit ($y=mx+c$).
Understanding Straight Line Graphs
A straight line graph represents a linear relationship between two variables. It is plotted on a Cartesian coordinate system (or rectangular axes).
- Rectangular Axes: Two perpendicular lines, the horizontal x-axis and the vertical y-axis, intersecting at the origin (0,0).
- Scales: Each axis has a scale, representing the units for the variable it plots. Consistent scales are crucial for accurate representation.
- Co-ordinates: A point on the graph is defined by an ordered pair $(x, y)$, where $x$ is the horizontal position and $y$ is the vertical position.
The general equation of a straight line is $y = mx + c$, where:
- $m$ is the gradient (or slope) of the line, indicating its steepness. $m = \frac{\text{change in y}}{\text{change in x}} = \frac{\Delta y}{\Delta x}$. A positive gradient means the line slopes upwards from left to right. A negative gradient means it slopes downwards. A zero gradient means a horizontal line.
- $c$ is the y-intercept, the point where the line crosses the y-axis (i.e., the value of $y$ when $x=0$).
Practical Engineering Examples
Plot and analyze linear relationships common in engineering.