Line Plot
Create and interpret line plots in Grade 6 math — mark data values above a number line and analyze the display to find range, clusters, gaps, and outliers in a data set.
Key Concepts
Property A line plot displays individual data points over a number line. Each x in a line plot represents one individual data point.
Examples For test scores $85, 85, 90$, you would place two 'X's above the number 85 on the line. You would also place one 'X' above the number 90 on the same number line. This visual stacking shows the mode is 85 and helps you quickly see the score distribution.
Explanation A line plot is like a quick sketch of your data. You draw a number line and then stack an 'X' above a number for every time it appears in your list. It’s great for seeing which values are common, where the data clumps together, and if there are any outliers all on their own!
Common Questions
What is a line plot?
A line plot is a data display where each data value is marked with an X above a number line. It shows the frequency and distribution of data, making clusters, gaps, and outliers easy to identify visually.
How do you create a line plot from a data set?
Draw a number line covering the range of your data. For each data value, place an X directly above that number on the line. Stack multiple X marks when values repeat. Give the plot a descriptive title.
What information can you read from a line plot?
From a line plot you can identify the minimum, maximum, range, mode which is where most X marks appear, clusters where X marks group together, gaps where no X marks appear, and outliers far from others.
When is a line plot better than a bar graph?
Line plots work best for small data sets with values along a continuous number line, especially when you want to see individual data points. Bar graphs are better for categories or larger data sets with many values.