WHAT IS A LINE PLOT

A line plot is a graph that shows frequency of

data along a number line. It is best to use a
line plot when comparing fewer then 25
numbers. It is a quick, simple way to organize
data.
COLLECTING DATA
Data can be collected from a number of sources.
The Internet, world almanacs, and person
observation are all good sources.
REMEMBER: Internet data is not always right,
beware. Also, collected data must be controlled.
That means the data must be collected under the
same rules for each set.
Example: If collecting data for the number of red
M&M's per bag you should use all plain, or all
peanut unless you state that the data collected is
from a mixed group.
MAKING A NUMBER LINE PLOT
Once data is collected it is then time to make a line plot.

1. Determine the scale to be used. If the data is best
described in 100's have the scale increase by hundreds,
if all the data can fit on a scale 0-10 then make it 0-10.
2. Next draw a horizontal line across the paper.
3. Break the line into EQUAL parts that will hold your
scale.
4. List the data. Place an X over the correct number for
each of the datum collected. If a number is repeated
then place the X above the other.
See below for sample chart.
READING THE PLOT
Once you have constructed the plot it is then time to
analyze the data.
LOOK FOR:

1. OUTLIERS-data values that are substantially larger
or smaller then the other values. When possible,
try to find an explanation for any outliers you may
find. If this was a graph representing the height of
everyone in the class this outliers is most likely the
teacher. Although this is not a number line plot, it
gives a visual description of an outlier. The value
near the top right is spaced away from the rest f
the data making it an outlier.
OUTLIERS
2. GAPS-large spaces between points. In the
example above the space between the data
and the outlier is considered a gap. In the
example below a gap occurs between 10
and 13.

3. CLUSTERS-isolated groups of points. These
are places on the number line where data is
concentrated. On this number line a large
cluster appears from 0-4.

CLUSTERS
END