KS3 algebra graphs - understanding the words linear and intersect

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Maths Quiz - Level 7-8 Algebra - Graphs 01 (Questions)

There are many aspects to algebra - quadratic equations, exponents and variables to name but a few. But what about graphs? Yes, they are also a part of algebra which you will study in KS3 Maths.

Graphs illustrate information that would be unwieldy in text form and act as visual shorthands for everyday concepts. There are many words, terms and expressions that relate to graphs. 'Intersect' and 'linear' for example. But what do they mean? If you want to understand the world of graphs then you are going to have to learn them all.

To help get you familiar with words and phrases used in graphs, we've come up with this quiz. In it we look at some of the terms you are likely to encounter. Let's see if you know what they mean. Take your time and think carefully before choosing your answers. And don't forget to read the helpful comments after each question. Good luck!

Working out the points on a graph and putting them in the right place is known as what?

[ ]	Plodding
[ ]	Plonking
[ ]	Plotting
[ ]	Ploughing

What is the meaning of the word 'gradient'?

[ ]	The length of a line
[ ]	The starting-point of a line
[ ]	The steepness of a slope
[ ]	The width of a line

What is the word that means to cross over?

[ ]	Interscope
[ ]	Intersect
[ ]	Interserve
[ ]	Intersport

What would you expect a 'conversion graph' to do?

[ ]	Convert letters into numbers
[ ]	Convert one unit to another
[ ]	Convert you to become a lover of graphs
[ ]	Convert your family to Buddhism

A part of a line is called what?

[ ]	Line part
[ ]	Line piece
[ ]	Line portion
[ ]	Line segment

Which of these could not be shown on a 'distance-time graph'?

[ ]	The number of people on a journey
[ ]	The speed during part of a journey
[ ]	The time spent stationary during a journey
[ ]	The total time taken for a journey

If a curve on a graph is said to be 'symmetrical about the y axis', what would you expect?

[ ]	Most of the curve to be in quadrant 2
[ ]	Most of the curve to be in quadrant 1
[ ]	None of the curve to be below the x axis
[ ]	The left hand side to be a mirror image of the right hand side

When a graph is said to be 'linear' what would you expect?

[ ]	Lines that are curved
[ ]	Lines that are straight
[ ]	No lines, just points that have been plotted
[ ]	Numerous lines starting at the same point

If a graph is described as 'quadratic' then what would you expect to see in the equation?

[ ]	The squared sign: ²
[ ]	The cubed sign: ³
[ ]	The power of 4 sign: ⁴
[ ]	Any exponent

10.

This is an example of coordinates on a graph: (7, -9). To what do the figures refer?

[ ]	Both numbers within brackets are on the same axis
[ ]	Figures in brackets are always for the y axis
[ ]	The x axis value, then the y axis value
[ ]	The y axis value, then the x axis value

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Graphs

Maths Quiz - Level 7-8 Algebra - Graphs 01 (Answers)

Working out the points on a graph and putting them in the right place is known as what?

[ ]	Plodding
[ ]	Plonking
[x]	Plotting
[ ]	Ploughing

You may have heard of ships' captains 'plotting their course'. This is marking down points on a map rather than a graph, but the principle is the same

What is the meaning of the word 'gradient'?

[ ]	The length of a line
[ ]	The starting-point of a line
[x]	The steepness of a slope
[ ]	The width of a line

You will sometimes see references to the gradient of a line in a graph. If you were walking, then a 'steep gradient' would be difficult to walk up but a 'gentle gradient' would be easy to walk up

What is the word that means to cross over?

[ ]	Interscope
[x]	Intersect
[ ]	Interserve
[ ]	Intersport

The place where a line crosses over an axis is the place where it intersects the axis

What would you expect a 'conversion graph' to do?

[ ]	Convert letters into numbers
[x]	Convert one unit to another
[ ]	Convert you to become a lover of graphs
[ ]	Convert your family to Buddhism

It might convert miles to kilometres, grams to ounces, etc.

A part of a line is called what?

[ ]	Line part
[ ]	Line piece
[ ]	Line portion
[x]	Line segment

Segments are between two points on a graph

Which of these could not be shown on a 'distance-time graph'?

[x]	The number of people on a journey
[ ]	The speed during part of a journey
[ ]	The time spent stationary during a journey
[ ]	The total time taken for a journey

Distance-time graphs are sometimes called 'travel graphs'

If a curve on a graph is said to be 'symmetrical about the y axis', what would you expect?

[ ]	Most of the curve to be in quadrant 2
[ ]	Most of the curve to be in quadrant 1
[ ]	None of the curve to be below the x axis
[x]	The left hand side to be a mirror image of the right hand side

The word symmetry means that one half mirrors the other half

When a graph is said to be 'linear' what would you expect?

[ ]	Lines that are curved
[x]	Lines that are straight
[ ]	No lines, just points that have been plotted
[ ]	Numerous lines starting at the same point

The dictionary definition of 'linear' is: arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line

If a graph is described as 'quadratic' then what would you expect to see in the equation?

[x]	The squared sign: ²
[ ]	The cubed sign: ³
[ ]	The power of 4 sign: ⁴
[ ]	Any exponent

An exponent is a small number placed to the upper-right of a number as in 3² or 4⁵

10.

This is an example of coordinates on a graph: (7, -9). To what do the figures refer?

[ ]	Both numbers within brackets are on the same axis
[ ]	Figures in brackets are always for the y axis
[x]	The x axis value, then the y axis value
[ ]	The y axis value, then the x axis value

It is just SO IMPORTANT to remember this: 'x comes before y in the alphabet and the x axis figure comes before the y axis figure'