Cubic graphs to equation confusion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identification of a graph derived from sensor data and the mathematical representation of that graph. Participants explore the nature of the graph, its classification, and how to derive a formula from it, touching on aspects of data fitting and function representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a sensor's output graphed in Excel, noting it appears as an "S" shape and questions whether it is a cubic graph.
  • Another participant suggests posting a screenshot of the graph for better identification and mentions that Excel can fit data to functions to find coefficients.
  • A third participant raises the possibility that the graph may not represent a function if it fails the vertical line test, and suggests that the axes might have been swapped.
  • The original poster confirms they swapped the axes, resulting in a graph that resembles a cubic shape.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the classification of the graph and whether it represents a function. There is no consensus on the exact nature of the graph or the formula derivation process.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the graph's shape and the potential for misinterpretation based on axis orientation. There are also limitations regarding the lack of visual data and specific mathematical details on deriving the formula.

Siksissk
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Hi,

I have a sensor going into a microcontroller via a adc.

I have worked out the conversion from the adc value into real terms.

Now the math takes too long in code to run this. and a look up table with 1024 elements will fill my program memory very quickly.

So I have put the results into excel, and the graph has come up as a "S" shape, Now I believe this is a cubic graph, but my confusion lies that a general google search shows cubic graphs as backwards N shape, where as mine looks to be spun around by 90 degrees.

So,

1: is the graph I have, Cubic, or something else?
2: how can I work out the formula (a^3 + b^2 + c) from points in my graph?

Thanks
 
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Maybe you should post the print screen of the graph, in order to help us to recognize the type of function. Anyway, I think that Excel has a function to fit your data with a function, if there is the software automatically tells you the coefficents ;)
A software that does that is LoggerPro, and probably even Matlab can help you.
 
I think we really should see a picture of your plot, because it sounds like you don't actually have a function, unless you are accidentally plotting the dependent variable on the vertical axis and the independent variable on the horizontal axis, or if your curve is a very 'thin' s. For example, if your curve is "curvy" enough that it fails the vertical line test (a vertical line should only cross your curve at one point), then you don't have a function. However, if you swapped the horizontal and vertical axes by mistake, then you would have a function, because rotating it should make it pass the vertical line test.
 

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