Mathematics
Grade 4
15 min
Interpret line graphs
Interpret line graphs
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the title, x-axis, y-axis, and scale of a line graph.
Accurately locate and read specific data points on a line graph.
Describe how data changes over time by observing the direction of the line (increase, decrease, no change).
Compare two different data points on the same line graph.
Calculate the difference in value between two points on a line graph.
Answer questions using information presented in a line graph.
Have you ever watched a tiny seed grow into a big plant? 🌱 A line graph is like a picture story that shows us exactly how much it grew each week!
In this lesson, we will learn how to read and understand line graphs. Line graphs are special because they show how something changes over a period of time, which helps us see patterns and te...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Line GraphA graph that uses points connected by lines to show how something changes over time.A graph showing the temperature at 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM, with lines connecting the points.
X-axisThe horizontal line at the bottom of the graph. It usually shows time (like days, weeks, or months).On a graph about plant growth, the x-axis might be labeled 'Week 1, Week 2, Week 3...'
Y-axisThe vertical line on the side of the graph. It usually shows the amount or quantity of what is being measured.On a graph about plant growth, the y-axis might be labeled 'Height in Centimeters'.
Data PointA dot or a point on the graph that shows a specific piece of information at a certain time.A dot above 'Week 2' that lines up with '10 cm' on...
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Core Formulas
Reading a Data Point
Find (X, Y)
To read any point on the graph, first find the label on the x-axis (horizontal). Then, move your finger straight up to the data point. Finally, move your finger straight across to the left to read the matching value on the y-axis (vertical).
Calculating Change
Change = \text{Larger Value} - \text{Smaller Value}
To find out how much something has increased or decreased between two points in time, find the value for each point on the y-axis. Then, subtract the smaller value from the larger value.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A line graph shows the number of fish in a tank each month. There were 10 fish in May. The number of fish doubled in June. Then, 4 fish were removed in July. How many fish were in the tank in July?
A.16 fish
B.20 fish
C.6 fish
D.24 fish
Challenging
A graph shows 'Snowfall in January' with a y-axis scale of 2 inches. Week 1 had 4 inches. Week 2 had 8 inches. If the rate of increase from Week 1 to Week 2 continued, how much snow would have fallen in Week 3?
A.10 inches
B.4 inches
C.16 inches
D.12 inches
Challenging
Two line graphs are shown. Graph A shows 'Temperature on a Summer Day' and the y-axis values are all above 70°F. Graph B shows 'Temperature on a Winter Day' and the y-axis values are all below 30°F. Which statement is most likely true?
A.The line on Graph A will only go down.
B.The scale on the y-axis must be the same for both graphs.
C.data point of 40°F could only appear on Graph B.
D.The x-axis on both graphs must be 'Months'.
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