Graph

Pronunciation: /græf/ Explain

A graph is a visual representation of an algebraic relationship.

Figure 1: Graph of the line y = 2x-1

When we draw a graph, we are drawing a representation of a relationship such as y = 2x - 1. A graph can help us understand and interpret an algebraic relationship.

Types of Graphs

Number Lines

A number line is a one dimensional graph. Examples of number lines include:

Example	Description
	Number line showing A = 5.
	Number line showing B ≤ -3.
	Number line showing -5 ≤ C < 2.5.
	Number line showing D < 0 or D ≥ 3.
Table 1: Examples of number lines.

Graphs Using Cartesian Coordinates in 2 Dimensions

Figure 1: Graph of y = x2 - 4.

When graphing a relationship between two variables, one usually uses a 2-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.

References

1. McAdams, David E.. All Math Words Dictionary, graph. 2nd Classroom edition 20150108-4799968. pg 87. Life is a Story Problem LLC. January 8, 2015. Buy the book
2. Graph. ams.org. Geometry Glossary. American Mathematical Society. Last Accessed 7/11/2018. http://www.ams.org/featurecolumn/archive/geometry-glossary.html.
3. Hall, H. A.. A Short Introduction To Graphical Algebra. 4th edition. www.archive.org. Macmillan and Company, Ltd.. 1907. Last Accessed 7/11/2018. http://www.archive.org/stream/shortintroductio029519mbp#page/n4/mode/1up. Buy the book
4. Bettinger, Alvin K., Englund, John A.. Algebra and Trigonometry. pp 146-172. www.archive.org. International Textbook Company. January 1963. Last Accessed 7/11/2018. http://www.archive.org/stream/algebraandtrigon033520mbp#page/n163/mode/1up. Buy the book

Educator Resources

• Microgravity (Uses graphs to help understand micro. NASA Connect. 2/18/2010. http://www.archive.org/details/NasaConnect-Watmtg-Microgravity/index.htm.
• Crash - Graphs and NASA Langley. NASA Connect. 2/18/2010. http://www.archive.org/details/NasaConnect-Crash-GraphsAndNasaLangley/index.htm.

Cite this article as:

McAdams, David E. Graph. 4/21/2019. All Math Words Encyclopedia. Life is a Story Problem LLC. https://www.allmathwords.org/en/g/graph.html.

Image Credits

• All images and manipulatives are by David McAdams unless otherwise stated. All images by David McAdams are Copyright © Life is a Story Problem LLC and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Revision History

4/21/2019: Updated equations and expressions to new format. (McAdams, David E.)
12/21/2018: Reviewed and corrected IPA pronunication. (McAdams, David E.)
7/10/2018: Removed broken links, updated license, implemented new markup, implemented new Geogebra protocol. (McAdams, David E.)
2/8/2010: Added "References". (McAdams, David E.)
8/4/2008: Added types of graphs. (McAdams, David E.)
2/18/2008: Added caption to graph. (McAdams, David E.)
8/19/2007: Initial version. (McAdams, David E.)