Data & Line Plots

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A line plot shows data using marks (X's or dots) above a number line. Each mark = one data point.

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Reading questions.

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Example. Line plot of 12 students' jump distances (in feet): one X at 4, three X's at 5, four X's at 6, two X's at 7, two X's at 8.

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Don't confuse line plot with line graph. A line plot uses marks above a number line for data frequency. A line graph (different chart type) connects data points with lines to show trends over time.

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Grade 5 line plots often use FRACTIONAL increments (1/2, 1/4, 1/8) on the number line. The marks are still simple counts; the values just happen to be fractions.

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Example. Lengths of pencils (inches): one at 4 1/2, two at 5, one at 5 1/4, three at 5 1/2, two at 5 3/4. Six pencils total.

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Compute statistics with fraction arithmetic.

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Equally distribute a total amount: take the SUM, divide by the COUNT.

Example: total 31 1/2 inches over 6 pencils → average $31\frac{1}{2}÷6=\frac{63}{12}=5\frac{1}{4}$ inches per pencil.