Mathematics
Grade 5
15 min
Create line plots (Tutorial Only)
Create line plots (Tutorial Only)
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what a line plot is and its purpose.
Organize a given set of data to prepare for plotting.
Draw and label a number line with an appropriate scale for a given data set.
Accurately plot data points using 'X's above the corresponding values on a number line.
Interpret information presented in a line plot, including identifying frequency and range.
Create a complete line plot from a set of whole number, fractional, or decimal data.
Identify common errors when constructing line plots and apply corrective measures.
Have you ever wondered how to quickly see how often something happens, like how many friends have 1 pet, 2 pets, or 3 pets? 🐾 Line plots are a super cool way to show this!
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to create line pl...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Line PlotA type of graph that displays data along a number line, using 'X's (or dots) to show the frequency of each value.If 3 students read for 1 hour, 5 students for 2 hours, and 2 students for 3 hours, a line plot would show three 'X's above '1', five 'X's above '2', and two 'X's above '3' on a number line.
DataInformation or facts collected for analysis. In line plots, data are usually numerical values.The heights of 10 different plants: 5.5 inches, 6 inches, 5.5 inches, 7 inches, 6.5 inches, 6 inches, 5.5 inches, 7 inches, 6 inches, 6.5 inches.
FrequencyThe number of times a particular data value appears in a set of data. On a line plot, this is shown by the number of 'X's above a va...
3
Core Formulas
Rule 1: Organize and Understand Your Data
1. Collect all data points.
2. Identify the minimum and maximum values.
3. Determine if the data contains whole numbers, fractions, or decimals.
Before drawing, it's crucial to know what numbers you're working with and their spread. This helps you choose the right number line and scale.
Rule 2: Construct the Number Line and Scale
1. Draw a horizontal line.
2. Mark equal intervals along the line, covering the range from your minimum to maximum data values.
3. Label the number line clearly with the appropriate numbers and units.
The number line is the foundation. Ensure intervals are consistent (e.g., all 1/2, all 0.25, or all 1) and labels are easy to read. The scale should fit all your data.
Rule 3: Plot Each Data Point...
5 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A line plot shows the heights of 9 bean plants. The data is plotted correctly. A 10th plant's height of 1 1/4 inches needs to be added. The current plot has two 'X's at 1/2, three 'X's at 3/4, one 'X' at 1, and three 'X's at 1 1/4. After adding the 10th plant, what will be the new frequency for 1 1/4 inches?
A.3
B.4
C.1
D.10
Challenging
Using the line plot from the 'Amount of Sugar Left in Bags (Cups)' example (two 'X's at 1/4, three 'X's at 1/2, one 'X' at 3/4, one 'X' at 1), what is the total amount of sugar from all the bags combined?
A.3 3/4 cups
B.7 cups
C.2 1/2 cups
D.4 cups
Challenging
A student is told to make a line plot but instead draws a graph where each number on the number line has a solid bar rising up to show the frequency, similar to a bar graph. According to the tutorial, why is this an incorrect way to make a line plot?
A.The bars are not colorful enough.
B.The number line should be vertical, not horizontal.
C.bar graph can only be used for whole numbers.
D.Line plots use individual 'X's or dots for each data point, not solid bars.
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