We investigated bacterial growth on two types of gel, with the type of gel as the independent variable and the number of bacteria as the dependent variable. Results must be analyzed to determine the support of the hypotheses. Y-intercept and slope provide the initial quantity and rate of change in the dependent variable, respectively.
In this laboratory experiment, we investigated the growth rates of bacteria on two different gel media and observed and recorded the number of bacteria present after a given period. The independent variable was the type of gel media used (gel A or gel B) because it is the condition that we intentionally changed to observe its effect. The dependent variable was the number of bacteria present after 24 hours, as this is the outcome we measured about the change in the independent variable.
In terms of experimental results, they must be assessed to determine if they support or fail to support the hypotheses established. A supported hypothesis aligns with the predicted outcome, while an unsupported one does not, necessitating a review of the experimental design or theoretical understanding.
The y-intercept and slope of a graph obtained in this experiment would relate to observable quantities at zero conditions (initial number of bacteria in this context) and the rate of change in the dependent variable concerning the independent variable, respectively.