Diagram, in mathematics, is a figure serving to illustrate a definition or to aid in the proof of a proposition. In its more general sense it is a drawing to illustrate the structure of scientific apparatus, engines, machines, buildings, and so on, as opposed to a ‘picture’ to which emotional significance or artistic value is attached.
The value of a Diagram lies in its power of conveying essential information at a glance; when the Diagram is drawn to scale this information may be quantitative as well as qualitative. Weather charts, temp. and pressure curves, road maps, etc., are very largely diagrammatic.
A diagram is a diagram that represents the relationship between several words that are key words in the text or short sentences.
In a diagram, the ideas are exposed in an orderly and systematic way. The goal is to induce the construction of mental structures by identifying main ideas and subordinate ideas according to the logical order.
The steps to follow to make a diagram are the following:
- Discover what is the input element of your system, that is, the concept that should encompass everything.
- Decide the type of diagram you need, as well as the direction you want it to take (from left to right, from top to bottom, with the main idea in the center and the graphics around it …).
- Choose the language you are going to use. Remember that the shorter and more direct it is, the better. In addition, it must pick up the meaning of the element to be related.
- Decide which icons and colors will represent each of the ideas or concepts. So you can easily differentiate them.
- Divide the diagram into blocks. This will help you to be clear about what you want to tell in each one, which will prevent you from forgetting something.
- Embed it.
- Finally, read it several times. Even if you have understood, ask a partner to read it. Everyone must understand the information you want to convey. If you have achieved this goal, then you will already know how to make a diagram.
8 Types of Diagram
Now that you know what a diagram is and how it is done, let’s see the different types of diagrams that exist. The most significant are:
Diagram on tree
It is structured in a hierarchical manner. The root of the diagram usually corresponds to the title of the diagram and each level drop indicates more detailed information on the subject that is being learned.
Circular diagram
Known as pie chart or pie chart, it is used to represent frequencies expressed by means of proportional portions.
Conceptual diagram
It can be simple or complex, depending on the number of concepts and ideas that you want to add and relate. Those who study advanced subjects use it a lot, since it helps them to simplify the study.
Bar chart
In their horizontal axis represent modalities or data, while in the vertical the frequencies of each of them.
Floral diagram
It is used to graph the floral species. With this type of diagram, you can obtain information about the components of the flowers, from the smallest to the largest parts, which can be used to make a complete study of each of the parts that form them.
Flowchart
it is characterized by having an oval as a starting and closing point, a rectangle where an action is detailed, a rhombus to graph the execution of a decision, a circle as a component that connects everything and the triangles that are used to explain the documents that are necessary.
Process diagram
It is used to graphically represent the different steps of a specific process. The steps are differentiated by means of symbols, and in addition, data are included that will allow a more complete analysis of the process.
Radial diagram
In this type of diagram the main title is placed in the center and the phrases or keywords are immediately related to the title and linked through arcs. This type of diagram differs from the tree diagram in that it develops the structure in all directions, opening it in a fan.
Synoptic diagram
From an idea or concept, an extensive network of knowledge that relates to each other extends. He often presents braces and brackets that open or close ideas.
Organization chart
They are the ones that are used to represent the organization of a certain company. Each graphic shows the different areas that make up the entity as well as the name of the person who directs it.
The construction of diagrams should be part of study habits because a complete hierarchy of knowledge is elaborated. So we hope that now you know what a diagram is and how you can make one.
