How data is represented

Graphs display data points. To define graphs, you need to know how the data is represented. InfoMaker organizes data into three components.

Table 13-1: Components of a graph

Component

Meaning

Series

A set of data points Each set of related data points makes up one series. In the preceding graph, there is a series for Stellar sales, another series for Cosmic sales, and another series for Galactic sales. Each series in a graph is distinguished by color, pattern, or symbol.

Categories

The major divisions of the data Series data are divided into categories, which are often non-numeric. In the preceding graph, the series are divided into four categories: Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. Categories represent values of the independent variable(s).

Values

The values for the data points (dependent variables).