Linear graphs are graphical representations of linear equations. They are one of the most common forms of graphs which are plotted for a wide variety of purposes. Linear graphs must be plotted in a slope-intercept form within rectangular coordinates. Once the technical aspect of graph plotting is understood, plotting linear graphs becomes easy and convenient.

A linear graph is a straight line graph whose slope is the equation. A linear graph helps depict a linear relationship by means of which when one value goes up, the other makes a change by the same amount every time.

Linear graphs should be titled clearly. The axes must be clearly labeled and a key with the value of each unit must be mentioned. This is the most important part of a linear graph. If the ratio and the key are not mentioned correctly, linear graphs will yield faulty results.

The advantage of a linear graph over a linear equation is that the former is much more vivid and conveys information in a superior manner. Even for those who are unable to solve linear equations, a linear graph can convey information easily.

Linear graphs are flexible and adaptable. Once the data can be resolved into a linear equation, and the slope is calculated, forming linear equation becomes simple enough.

Example of a Linear Graph.

Sample Linear Graph

Line graphs are those graphs which are used to show the progression of data in the form of a graph. Line graphs are most commonly used by scientists to demonstrate a scientific phenomenon. They are also used by businessmen to represent information on clients and business processes. Line graphs must be carefully constructed so that the information they are trying to impart comes across clearly and in a well defined manner.

Line graphs can depict single lines showing the progression of one set of data, or they can show the progression of more than one set of data with the help of many lines plotted on the same graph. Thus, such graphs are comparative in nature.

Line graphs are created by joining the various data points on the graph. Thus, they have a wide applicability and are one of the most commonly used graphs. Line graphs are easy to access and understand and they are relatively simple to create as well.

A key is a must in case of line graphs which deal with more than one set of data. This will help clarify the graph. The obrazom, the derivative, the covering graph and so on are also kinds of line graphs which are commonly used. However, these are technically more challenging than the simple line graph.

Example of a Line Graph.

Sample Line Graph