Explanation the difference between various types of plots

In summary: If you have data that appears to go up or down in steps, for example, you might try a power transform to straighten it out.In summary, people use semi-log and log-log plots in various technical fields because they can transform complex relationships into straight line graphs, making it easier to analyze and understand the data. This is particularly useful in fields like electrical engineering where wide frequency ranges and varying gain are common. While linear plots may be more convenient for showing direct relationships, transformed plots can simplify the data and make patterns easier to recognize. However, caution must be taken to not misinterpret the data due to the transformation.
  • #1
Ein Krieger
34
0
Hello,

Why people use semi-log and log-log plots? What are they advantage?

Linear plots are more convenient as they show the direct relationship between x and y variables, aren't they?

Thanks.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Ein Krieger said:
Hello,

Why people use semi-log and log-log plots? What are they advantage?

Linear plots are more convenient as they show the direct relationship between x and y variables, aren't they?

Thanks.

There are probably lots of reasons that vary by technical field. In electrical engineering (EE), we use semi-log and log-log plots because our circuits operate over wide frequency ranges (many decades of frequency, typically), and the gain (frequency response) of the circuits can vary quite a bit as well. When you use a log plot, a 1/f relationship turns into a straight line, whose characteristics are much more obvious (like what is the slope?).

http://csserver.evansville.edu/~ric...bode_plots/html/bode_plots_html_m27115e71.png

.
 
  • #3
Ein Krieger said:
Linear plots are more convenient as they show the direct relationship between x and y variables, aren't they?

One reason for making logarithmic or semi-logarithmic plots is that the turn other types of functions into straight line graphs.

For eaxmple if ##y = a^x## where ##a## is an (unknown) constant, then ##\log y = x \log a## and you can find ##a## from the "straight line" graph of ##\log y## against ##x##.

If ##y = x^a##, then ##\log y = a \log x## and you can find ##a## from a graph of ##\log y## against ##\log x##.

If you are measuring data, it's easier to "see" how close the points are to a straight line than trying to guess how well points lie on the "right" curve, especially if you don't know what the right curve actually is!
 
  • #4
Transformed plots are useful when they simplify the relationship of the data. Of course you need to know what transformations are helpful in advance, and be ready to recognize when things have gone wrong. Most of the time it is easier to recognize the transformed pattern than the natural for, but there is a danger of tricking your self into seeing a pattern wit ha transformation.
 
  • #5
Some kinds of plots such as log-log or semi-log may more easily allow the graph to appear as a line. We like NEAT relationships that we can see.

In cases in which semilog or log-log do not give appearance of a line, some other type of data treatment might give one.
 

What is the purpose of creating different types of plots?

The purpose of creating different types of plots is to visually represent data in a way that is understandable and informative. Different types of plots can show different relationships between variables and can help identify patterns and trends in the data.

What is the difference between a bar graph and a line graph?

A bar graph is used to compare discrete categories or groups, while a line graph is used to show the relationship between two continuous variables. In a bar graph, the bars are separated and do not touch, while in a line graph, the data points are connected by a line.

How is a scatter plot different from a histogram?

A scatter plot is used to show the relationship between two continuous variables, while a histogram is used to show the distribution of a single variable. In a scatter plot, the data points are scattered throughout the graph, while in a histogram, the data is grouped into bins and plotted as bars.

What is the difference between a box plot and a violin plot?

Both box plots and violin plots are used to show the distribution of a continuous variable. However, a box plot only shows the summary statistics (median, quartiles, and outliers) while a violin plot also shows the shape of the distribution. A violin plot is more informative, but a box plot is more compact and easier to interpret.

Why are there different types of plots?

There are different types of plots because different types of data require different visual representations. Some plots are better at showing relationships between variables, while others are better at showing distributions or comparisons between groups. Choosing the right type of plot can enhance the understanding and analysis of the data.

Similar threads

I Logarithmic scale - interpolation
    • General Math
Replies
2
Views
9K
I When is it preferable to use semi-log and log-log graphs?
    • General Math
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Average of prime factors growth
    • General Math
Replies
12
Views
964
I Plotting polar equations and scale invariance
    • General Math
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Finance: does the volatility of a stock follow a certain distribution?
    • General Math
Replies
24
Views
2K
I Free or cheap app for log plots
    • General Math
Replies
5
Views
1K
MHB Plotting y=x^1/3 - Why Different Results?
    • General Math
Replies
2
Views
1K
MHB Find Linear Correlation Coefficient & P-Value for Internet Users & Award Winners
    • General Math
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Exploring the Benefits of Linearizing Data - Improve Analysis and Visualization
    • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
11
Views
760
Logarithmic Scale: What Happens When Plotting x,y Values?
    • General Math
Replies
4
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top