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What is a Line Plot?

Line plot showing number of pets per student with dots above each number
A simple line plot showing how many pets students have

A line plot (also called a dot plot) is a simple way to show how many times each value in a set of data occurs. It uses a number line with dots or X marks above each value to show its frequency.

Think of a line plot as a special graph that helps us see patterns in data. For example, if we surveyed our class about how many pets each student has, a line plot would show us the most common number of pets at a glance.

Line plots are great for showing small sets of data clearly. They help us answer questions like:

  • What is the most common value?
  • What is the least common value?
  • How many data points are there?
  • What is the range of the data?

How to Make a Line Plot

Step-by-step creation of a line plot: collect data, draw number line, add marks, add title
Steps to create a line plot

Creating a line plot is simple! Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Collect your data
First, gather the information you want to show. For example, how many books each student read last month.

Step 2: Make a number line
Draw a horizontal line and mark the possible values from the smallest to the largest number in your data.

Step 3: Add marks above each number
For each data value, place a dot or X above its number on the line. If a number appears multiple times, stack the marks above it.

Step 4: Add a title and labels
Give your line plot a title that explains what it shows. Label the number line so people know what the numbers represent.

Books Read Last Month
1 2 3 4 5

Line Plots with Fractions

Line plot showing pencil lengths in fractions of an inch
Line plot using fractions on the number line

Line plots can also show measurements that include fractions. This is common when we measure things like lengths or weights that aren't whole numbers.

When creating a line plot with fractions:

1. Choose appropriate fractions for your scale
If your data includes halves, use ½ intervals. If it includes quarters, use ¼ intervals.

2. Label your number line clearly
Write fractions in a way that's easy to understand: 1/2, 1/4, 3/4, etc.

3. Place dots carefully
Make sure each dot is exactly above the correct fraction on your number line.

Example: We measured the lengths of 8 pencils:
4¼", 4¼", 4½", 4½", 4¾", 5", 5", 5¼"

The line plot would show:

  • 2 dots above 4¼"
  • 2 dots above 4½"
  • 1 dot above 4¾"
  • 2 dots above 5"
  • 1 dot above 5¼"

Reading Line Plots

Line plot showing cookie sales with questions
Reading information from a line plot

Once you've created a line plot, you can use it to find important information about your data. Here's how to read a line plot:

1. Find the mode
The value with the most dots above it is called the mode. This is the most common value in your data.

2. Find the range
Subtract the smallest value from the largest value to find the range.

3. Find how many data points
Count all the dots to know how many items are in your data set.

4. Answer specific questions
You can find exactly how many times a specific value appears by counting the dots above it.

Example: Look at the cookie sales line plot above.

  • Mode: 2 boxes (3 students sold this many)
  • Range: 5 - 0 = 5 boxes
  • Total students: 12 (count all the dots)
  • Students selling 4 boxes: 4 students

Line Plot Practice Quiz

Test your line plot knowledge with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. What is another name for a line plot?
2. How many students have 3 pets based on this line plot? (2 dots above 0, 4 above 1, 5 above 2, 3 above 3, 1 above 4)
3. What is the mode in this data set? (1 dot above 5, 4 above 6, 2 above 7, 3 above 8)
4. What should you always include when making a line plot?
5. If a line plot has dots at 1/2, 3/4, and 1, what type of data is it showing?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about line plots:

Data Trivia

Discover interesting facts about data visualization:

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