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Read and interpret graphs, tables, and charts on ACT Science
Learn step-by-step with practice exercises built right in.
Not a test of science knowledge! It tests your ability to:
When reading a line graph, what does the x-axis typically represent?
Solution:
The x-axis (horizontal) typically shows the independent variable - the variable that is controlled or changes.
Examples:
Answer: The independent variable (what is being changed/controlled)
ACT Tip: Always read axis labels carefully!
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Explore more ACT Prep topics
1. Direct lookup: "What was the temperature at 5 minutes?" 2. Trend identification: "As time increases, temperature..." 3. Comparison: "Which trial had the highest value?" 4. Prediction: "Based on the trend, what would happen at 10 minutes?"
A graph shows temperature increasing from 0°C to 100°C while pressure increases from 1 atm to 5 atm. What is the relationship?
Solution:
Both variables increase together.
This is a direct (positive) relationship:
Inverse relationship would be:
Answer: Direct (positive) relationship
ACT Tip: Identify if both increase together (direct) or move opposite (inverse)
A table shows data at 10°C, 20°C, and 30°C. A question asks about 25°C. What should you do?
Solution:
25°C is between 20°C and 30°C but not in the table.
This requires interpolation (estimating between known values).
Strategy:
Answer: Interpolate between the two closest data points
ACT Tip: Interpolate = between points; Extrapolate = beyond the data