X And Y Axis: Definition, Equation, Examples 2023

In order to create a 2D graph using coordinates or equations, it is important to understand the X and Y axes, their respective meanings, and their correct order. This guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge to plot coordinates on a 2D graph using the X and Y axes. Additionally, you will learn how to utilize the scatter chart function within Google Sheets.

 

This article will first guide you through the process of plotting coordinates using ordered pairs. Next, you will discover how to determine coordinates through various equation types. Lastly, you will gain knowledge on how to interchange the X and Y axes within your Google Sheets graphs.

What is the X and Y Axis?

A 2D graph consists of a coordinate grid with two perpendicular lines, known as axes. These axes are marked similarly to number lines, with the point where they meet referred to as the origin. Typically, the horizontal axis is referred to as the X-axis, while the vertical axis is referred to as the Y-axis.

​​Which is First: X or Y?

In the plane of these axes, every point can be identified by its coordinates, which are represented by an ordered pair (X,Y). For instance, the origin can be defined as (0,0). When conveying these coordinates, it is essential to maintain the order of X and Y, with X being mentioned first. The upcoming section provides various examples to better illustrate this concept.

Examples of Using the X and Y Axis

With an understanding of the X and Y axes, it is possible to plot coordinates on a graph using either ordered pairs or an equation describing the correlation between X and Y.

Plot Coordinates on a Graph

1.    Given coordinates: (1,2), (2,3), (3,4), and (4,3).

2.    Plot the coordinates on a graph with perpendicular lines at the origin (0,0), divided into equal units, and connect them with a line.

X And Y Axis: Definition, Equation, Examples – Coordinate Grid

1. Locate the first number of the first ordered pair on the X-axis.
2. From that point, move vertically along the Y-axis until you reach the second number of the ordered pair.
3. Mark that spot on the graph to plot the ordered pair.

• Follow the same process outlined in steps 3-5 for each ordered pair, using the corresponding X and Y values to plot them on the graph.

Plot Coordinates on a Graph Using Google Sheets

To plot the coordinates from the previous example using Google Sheets, you’ll need to first organize them in tabular form and then use a scatter chart to graph them. Start by opening a new or existing Google Sheets document.

• Open Google Sheets.

 

• Create a two-column table with the ordered pairs, as shown below.

• Select the cells containing the X and Y coordinates, and go to Insert > Chart.

• Once you open the ‘Chart editor’, navigate to the ‘Chart type’ option and select ‘Scatter chart’. The graph will automatically plot the coordinates in the tabular form, as shown below.

Plot Equations on a Graph Using Google Sheets

In this tutorial, you will learn how to plot an equation that describes the relationship between X and Y values using Google Sheets. To do this, you will need to create a set of Y values using the equation and then plot them using a scatter chart. With Google Sheets, this process is straightforward and easy to follow. By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to plot any equation on a coordinate grid using Google Sheets.

 

Plot Linear Equations in Google Sheets

If you want to plot a linear equation using Google Sheets, the following example will show you how to do it. The equation you will use is y = 3x + 3.

• To plot the linear equation, start by opening Google Sheets and adding column headers for X and Y, as shown below.

• Type the numbers from 1 to 10 in separate rows under the X column to create the X values.

• In Google Sheets, input the equation in the cell next to the first value of X to calculate the corresponding Y value. Replace the variable X with the cell reference for the first value of X. This will generate the Y value for the first X value.

• Use the fill handle to copy the equation down to the last row of Y values in the column.

• After entering the X and Y values, select them by clicking and dragging your mouse over the cells. Then, go to the ‘Insert’ tab on the top toolbar and click on ‘Chart’ from the dropdown menu.

• Ensure that you select ‘Scatter chart’ as the chart type.

• To display the equation on the chart, add a trendline by selecting ‘Customize’ in the ‘Chart editor’. Under the ‘Series’ tab, scroll down and check the ‘Trendline’ box. Then, select ‘Equation’ under ‘Label’. This will add the equation to the trendline on your chart.

Plot Quadratic Equations on Google Sheets

This tutorial will guide you through the steps to plot a quadratic equation on a scatter chart in Google Sheets. Specifically, you will be plotting the equation y = 4x^2.

Begin by launching Google Sheets and adding column headers for X and Y. Proceed by typing the numbers from 1 to 10, one per row, in the first column to serve as your X values.

To plot the first point of the quadratic equation, enter the formula in the cell where you want the Y value, substituting the first X value in place of X. For instance, for the first value of X, which is 1, enter the formula “4*A2^2” in the cell A2, where A2 is the cell reference for the first value of X.

To get the Y values for the remaining X values, simply select the cell with the first Y value and drag the fill handle down to the last value in the Y column. This will automatically fill in the rest of the Y values based on the equation entered in the first cell.

Create a scatter chart by selecting the cells containing the X and Y values and clicking on ‘Insert’ followed by ‘Chart’.

Make sure to verify that the chart type is set to ‘Scatter chart’ after inserting the chart by checking the ‘Chart editor’.

How to Switch the X and Y Axis?

 

Google Sheets offers a variety of chart types to visually represent data. However, it may not always guess the correct type of chart or which values belong on the X and Y axes. In such cases, switching the axes can help better visualize the data. It’s important to note that X values are expected to be on the horizontal axis, so labels should be changed accordingly to avoid any confusion.

In Google Sheets, the default chart settings place the X values on the horizontal axis and the Y values on the vertical axis. However, sometimes you may want to switch them for better visualization. Fortunately, Google Sheets provides an easy way to flip the axes on your graph. To do this, select your chart and navigate to the ‘Customize’ tab in the Chart editor. Then, click on ‘Horizontal axis’ and select the data range for your Y values. Similarly, click on ‘Vertical axis’ and select the data range for your X values. Finally, adjust the labels as necessary to avoid confusion.

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