Line Plots with Fractions • Topic 2 of 3

Creating Line Plots from Data

How to Create a Line Plot:

  • Step 1: Find the range — identify the smallest and largest values
  • Step 2: Draw a number line with equal intervals covering all values
  • Step 3: Label the number line (use fractions where needed)
  • Step 4: Place one X above the number for each data point
  • Step 5: Give the plot a clear title

Line plots with fractions often use intervals of 1/4 or 1/2.

Creating a Line Plot: StepsStep 1Find range:min and maxStep 2Draw numberline with gapsStep 3Place X aboveeach valueStep 4Title andlabel units
Solved Examples
1
Worked Example
Create a line plot for ribbon lengths (cm): 5, 5.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 5.5, 5, 6
SolutionRange: 5 to 6. Draw number line from 5 to 6 with 0.5 intervals. At 5: 3 X's. At 5.5: 3 X's. At 6: 2 X's. Title: Ribbon Lengths (cm).
2
Worked Example
Data: apple weights (g): 140, 150, 150, 160, 150, 170, 160, 140. Create line plot and find the most common weight.
SolutionAt 140g: 2 X's. At 150g: 3 X's. At 160g: 2 X's. At 170g: 1 X. Most common weight = 150g (most X's).

Key Points

  • First find the range (min and max values) before drawing
  • Use equal intervals on the number line — fractions must be equally spaced
  • Place one X for each data point — do not skip or double-count
  • Always give the line plot a descriptive title and label the units
Quick Check — 4 MCQs
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.The first step in making a line plot is to:
Explanation: Count first.
Q2.Each data value gets how many Xs?
Explanation: One X each.
Q3.In the data $4, 5, 4, 4$, how many Xs above $4$?
Explanation: $4$ appears $3$ times.
Q4.Every line plot should have a:
Explanation: A title.
Practice more MCQs → 📝 Assignment · 35 marks