Line Plots with Fractions • Topic 3 of 3

Finding Totals and Differences from Line Plots

Line plots help us calculate quickly:

Finding Total: For each value, multiply it by the number of X's above it. Then add all products.

Finding Difference: Subtract the smallest value from the largest value shown on the plot.

Finding Average (Mean): Divide total by the number of data points (number of X's).

These skills apply to line plots with fractions too — multiply fractions by counts carefully!

Finding Total from a Line PlotXXXXXX1 ft2 ft3 ftTotal = (1x2) + (2x3) + (3x1) = 2+6+3 = 11 feet
Solved Examples
1
Worked Example
A line plot shows stick lengths (ft): 2 sticks at 1 ft, 3 sticks at 2 ft, 1 stick at 3 ft. Find total length.
SolutionTotal = (1 x 2) + (2 x 3) + (3 x 1) = 2 + 6 + 3 = 11 feet.
2
Worked Example
From the same plot, what is the difference between the longest and shortest stick?
SolutionLongest = 3 ft. Shortest = 1 ft. Difference = 3 - 1 = 2 feet.
3
Worked Example
Milk in glasses (cups): 1 glass at 1/2 cup, 3 glasses at 3/4 cup, 2 glasses at 1 cup. Total milk?
SolutionTotal = (1/2 x 1) + (3/4 x 3) + (1 x 2) = 1/2 + 9/4 + 2 = 2/4 + 9/4 + 8/4 = 19/4 = 4 3/4 cups.

Key Points

  • Total = sum of (each value x number of X's at that value)
  • Difference = largest value minus smallest value on the plot
  • Mean = Total / number of data points
  • With fractions: multiply fraction by count carefully, then add all products
Quick Check — 4 MCQs
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.To find a total from a line plot, you:
Explanation: Add the values.
Q2.The range equals:
Explanation: Max minus min.
Q3.Two Xs above $5$ give a total of:
Explanation: $5+5=10$.
Q4.If the largest value is $8$ and the smallest is $3$, the range is:
Explanation: $8-3=5$.
Practice more MCQs → 📝 Assignment · 35 marks