Question

Suppose you have a set of data points for x and t. Using the below formula you need to graph a STRAIGHT LINE.

x = 1/2 a t^2

Now, I know I would graph x versus t, but do I graph:
-x versus t
-x versus the root of t
-x versus t^2
-or possibly x^2 versus t???

Soo confusing!

Please help!
Thank you so so so much!

Answer 1

and please explain why so I understand how to do this!

thanks again!

Answer 2

well, it makes no sense.

I assume you have a set of data points. If so, plot them. Is it a straight line, or a second degree curve? If it is a straight line, then use y=mt+b and find m, b from your data plot. If it is a parabola, use y=at^2+ b, and find a,b to match the points.

Answer 3

Graph x versus t^2

Answer 4

Here is the answer I gave to the same question yesterday:
============================
I would graph x versus t^2 but is that correct?

Thank you very much!

* Math/Calculus - Damon, Friday, July 2, 2010 at 8:36pm

Sure, that will work.
You could also use a sheet of graph paper with log scales.
log x = log [.5 a t^2] = log(.5 a) + 2 log t