How do I put two linear trend lines in a scatter plot with two different sets of values?

Question

Level 1

0 points

How do I put two linear trend lines in a scatter plot with two different sets of values?

I have to set up a scatter plot for a chem lab. My scatter plot contains two different sets of data, one for pre-1982 pennies and one for post-1982 pennies. I was able to enter everything and create the scatter plot. Now I have to put linear trend lines in there but I need one for each set of data. When I want to put a linear trend line in there it creates only one for all data. Is there any way I can have two?

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012)

Posted on Sep 4, 2014 8:02 AM

Reply

Answer 1

SGIII

Level 8

37,550 points

Sep 4, 2014 10:42 AM in response to l_hi

Click a series in the chart first and then choose the Trendline option you want in the drop down under the Series tab:

Repeat for each series and you should get something like this:

Reply

Answer 2

l_hi Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 4, 2014 5:25 PM in response to SGIII

So I guess my problem is that I don't have them as two different data sets but one because when I click on one plot ALL of them are selected. How do I get them to be two different sets?

Reply

Answer 3

SGIII

Level 8

37,550 points

Sep 4, 2014 5:48 PM in response to l_hi

How do I get them to be two different sets?

Make sure Share X Values is unchecked (lower left).

SG

Reply

Answer 4

l_hi Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 4, 2014 6:05 PM in response to SGIII

Where do I find this? I am really sorry, but this is my first project with numbers so I really have no idea what I am doing!

Reply

Answer 5

SGIII

Level 8

37,550 points

Sep 4, 2014 7:10 PM in response to l_hi

It's not in an obvious place. Click the chart, the Edit Data References. You should see something like this (look lower left):

Uncheck Share X Values if it is checked and you should then see two series and be able to click each one in turn and set trend lines, etc., independently.

SG

Reply

Answer 6

l_hi Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 4, 2014 9:54 PM in response to SGIII

I did it but I still don't have two sets of data values. Is there anything else I have uncheck or something like that? I see a difference in my screenshot in that not my two masses are clicked and have that dot, like in yours, but the columns next to each other do. I tried dragging it, but that isn't possible. How do I change that?

Reply

Answer 7

Yellowbox

Level 7

21,939 points

Sep 5, 2014 1:34 AM in response to l_hi

Hi l_hi,

Sometimes it is easier to delete a misbehaving plot and start again.

Click on the column label A, then shift-click on the column label D

Edit: Click on the column label B, then shift-click on the column label E

Insert a scatter plot

Now click on one series within the plot

Pre 1982 is selected.

Follow SG's instructions to add a trend line. Repeat with the other series.

Regards,

Ian.

Edited: Column labels.

Reply

Answer 8

l_hi Author

Level 1

0 points

Sep 5, 2014 8:54 AM in response to Yellowbox

Thank you so much, but unfortunately your first screen shot won't open and when I follow your directions, I get three sets of data. What am I doing wrong?