How to Make a Number Line Plot
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 than 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 010.
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.
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 04.