LabCheck LabWrite Project 2000 Line Graphs and Scatter Plots Line graphs provide an excellent way to map independent and dependent variables that are both quantitative. When both variables are quantitative, the line segment that connects two points on the graph expresses a slope, which can be interpreted visually relative to the slope of other lines or expressed as a precise mathematical formula.
Scatter plots are similar to line graphs in that they start with mapping quantitative data points.
The difference is that with a scatter plot, the decision is made that the individual points should not be connected directly together with a line but, instead express a trend. This trend can be seen directly through the distribution of points or with the addition of a regression line. A statistical tool used to mathematically express a trend in the data. Excel Tips are found at the bottom of the page One Independent and One Dependent Variable Scatter Plot With a scatter plot a mark, usually a dot or small circle, represents a single data point. Depending on how tightly the points cluster together, you may be able to discern a clear trend in the data.