the first ten points of my data are very high, and then the graph quickly drops of (similar to 1/x) and the last ten points are extremely small. is there a way to graph this so that the y-scale automatically adjusts?
Have you tried using a log scale for the Y axis? Right click on the Y axis and choose Mapping -> Logarithmic. Make sure that there is a checkmark beside the Autoscale Y as well.
