Steps of Graphic Analysis

There are four steps in using graph paper to study cost-volume relationships:

Step 1: Compute the scale which you will use:

Volume is considered as the independent variable and will be graphed on the horizontal axis. Cost is considered as the dependent variable and will be graphed on the vertical axis. The scales on two axes do not comprise to be similar. Though, on each axis one block should symbolize the same quantity of change as every other block of the similar size on that axis. Each scale must be large adequate to allow analysis, and small adequate to allow the graphing of all available data and predictable data estimates.

Step 2: Plot the accessible cost-volume data:

Determine the volume specified for one of the data points on the horizontal axis. Now draw an imaginary vertical line from that point. Find the associated cost on the vertical axis and draw an imaginary horizontal line from that point. The point where two lines intersect symbolizes the cost for the given volume. (When you do not feel comfy with imaginary lines you might draw dotted lines to put the intersection.) Replicate this step for each data point.

Step 3: Fix a straight line to the data:

In this part of text, all data points will fall on a straight line. All that you contain to do to fit a straight line is attach to the data points. Most of the analysts use regression analysis to fit a straight line whenever all points do not fall on the line.

Step 4: Predict the cost for a specified volume:

Draw an imaginary vertical line from offered volume to the point where it intersects the straight line which you fit to the data points. Then move horizontally till you intersect the vertical axis. That point is the graphic approximation of the cost for the specified volume of the item.