How do I graph a simple line graph for the equation y=-3x+4 in Excel 2003 with Windows Vista. I'm Excel illiterate, and so is the neighbor lady I'm trying to help--really. Thanks
How do I graph a simple line graph for the equation y=-3x+4 in Excel 2003 with Windows Vista. I'm Excel illiterate, and so is the neighbor lady I'm trying to help--really. Thanks
there may be an easier way to do this, but this is how I would do it:
plug some points into your equation, so, we have
0, 4
1, 1
2, -2
3, -5
then put 0 in A1, 1 in A2, 2 in A3, and 3 in A4. Put 4 in B1, 1 in B2, -2 in B3, and -5 in B4.
Highlight everything.
go to the button at the top that looks like a bar graph. click it. hit scatter plot. you shouldn't have to put in the x's and y's, but in case you have to, click the small button to the right of the x input area and highlight the x's, same for the y's. click next. you can take it from here.
You have a set of plots that correspond to x,y.
Create one column for x and one column for y.
For x simply input numbers from 1-25 (doesn't matter where you stop, just 1 to whatever).
For y type =sum(3*x+4) X is the cell that you put your x numbers in. In this example it would be B1 so...=sum(3*B1+4). So, do exactly this:
In Cell B1 write 1. In Cell B2 write 2....so on to Cell B25 or you could just select B1 and drag down to B25 so that it auto fills in the other cells.
In Cell A1 write =SUM(3*B1+4). Now, copy and paste that formula to the other A cells(2-25) or again, just click A1 and drag down.
Ok, so you have two columns of data. Drag and select these columns and then go up to the chart wizard and select "Scatter Chart". You will now have a nice straight line going upward.
Alan
I guess to be exact x should be your first column and y your second column.
Alan
Runningart2004 wrote:
...
For y type =sum(3*B1+4)
...
Alan
Why do so many people use the sum function for that? I see so many people doing it, when just typing "=3*B1+4" would do the same thing. Weird.
mcgato wrote:
Why do so many people use the sum function for that? I see so many people doing it, when just typing "=3*B1+4" would do the same thing. Weird.
I don't see why anyone would use the sum function like that. In fact, without the proper arguments the sum function won't work.
Interesting, by putting =sum it does work, treating the formula as the one and only argument. I learned something really dumb and useless today.
that's counterintuitive & weird - i would put the slope and intercepts in adjacent cells (say A1 & B1) and put the independent variable x in one column with the dependent variable in the adjacent column - then you can use the absolute reference - i.e. in C3 you would have "=$A$1*B3+$B$1.
Now you can change the slope and intercept...
I like how the OP asks about graphing a line in excel using Vista as if somehow a mathematical formula depends on an operating system
dmb wrote:
I like how the OP asks about graphing a line in excel using Vista as if somehow a mathematical formula depends on an operating system
Give the kid a break. It was obvious by the very basic nature of his question he would also make errant assumptions like that.
i meant it more as a crack about microsoft, but i could see how it came across
To the OP: you are issued one "break". Use it wisely.
Sorry guy, I have an M.A. in English; about as far away from math as possible. However, I am fairly proficient in math--just not computers. Hence, my problem.If you asked what a gerund was and how to use it correctly in a sentence, I wouldn't be an ass about it, probably. Are you a character on "The Big Bang Theory" by chance? The Lets Run code of conduct I suppose.Thanks for the help (Alan finally makes a cogent post).
dmb wrote:
that's counterintuitive & weird - i would put the slope and intercepts in adjacent cells (say A1 & B1) and put the independent variable x in one column with the dependent variable in the adjacent column - then you can use the absolute reference - i.e. in C3 you would have "=$A$1*B3+$B$1.
Now you can change the slope and intercept...
I like how the OP asks about graphing a line in excel using Vista as if somehow a mathematical formula depends on an operating system
Running is fun. STFU.
Well crafted.
dmb wrote:
Running is fun. STFU.