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Interpret line plots

A line plot represents a set of measurement data on a number line: each X records one observation, and the number of Xs above a value shows its frequency. Learners interpret scales marked in whole units, halves, or fourths; compare measurements and frequencies; and solve one- and two-step questions involving counts, differences, and sums of measurements, without extending to more general intervals or formal statistical measures.

Detailed Explanation: Interpret line plots

A line plot shows measurement data on a number line.

  • Each X stands for one measurement.
  • Count the Xs above a value to find how many times that measurement occurred.
  • Look carefully at the scale. The marks may increase by whole numbers, 12\frac{1}{2}, or 14\frac{1}{4}.

Example

A class measured pencil lengths to the nearest 14\frac{1}{4} inch.

Length11 inch1141\frac{1}{4} inches1121\frac{1}{2} inches1341\frac{3}{4} inches22 inches
XsXXXXXXXXX

Question: How many pencils were measured altogether, and how many more pencils were 1141\frac{1}{4} inches long than 1341\frac{3}{4} inches long?

Step 1: Count all the Xs.

2+3+1+2+1=92+3+1+2+1=9

So, 9 pencils were measured.

Step 2: Compare the two groups.

  • There are 33 Xs above 1141\frac{1}{4} inches.
  • There are 22 Xs above 1341\frac{3}{4} inches.

Find the difference:

3−2=13-2=1

So, there was 1 more pencil measuring 1141\frac{1}{4} inches.

Always count the Xs, not just the number of marked values.

Learn by doing: Interpret line plots

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    Graphing - Line Plot - Difference of Two

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