Line Plots with Fractions • Topic 1 of 3

Understanding and Reading Line Plots

A line plot (also called a dot plot) is a graph that shows data along a number line. Each X above the number line represents one piece of data.

Key terms:

  • Mode = most common value (where the most X's are)
  • Range = largest value minus smallest value
  • Total = each value multiplied by its count, then all added together

Line plots work with whole numbers AND fractions on the number line.

Line Plot: Ribbon Lengths (inches)33 1/244 1/2XXXXXXXXMost common: 3.5 in (3 X's). Total = 2(3)+3(3.5)+2(4)+1(4.5) = 29 inches
Solved Examples
1
Worked Example
From the line plot above (ribbon lengths), how many ribbons are shown in total?
SolutionCount all X's: 2 (at 3 in) + 3 (at 3.5 in) + 2 (at 4 in) + 1 (at 4.5 in) = 8 ribbons.
2
Worked Example
What is the most common ribbon length?
SolutionThe most X's are above 3.5 inches (3 ribbons). The most common length is 3.5 inches.
3
Worked Example
How many ribbons are longer than 3.5 inches?
SolutionAt 4 inches: 2 ribbons. At 4.5 inches: 1 ribbon. Total = 3 ribbons longer than 3.5 inches.

Key Points

  • A line plot shows data using X marks above a number line
  • Each X represents ONE piece of data
  • The value with the most X's is the MODE (most common value)
  • Always count all X's carefully to find the total
Quick Check — 4 MCQs
Tap an option to check your answer0 / 4
Q1.A line plot shows data using marks (X) above a:
Explanation: A number line.
Q2.Each X on a line plot represents:
Explanation: One data value.
Q3.The tallest stack of Xs shows the:
Explanation: Most common value.
Q4.If a value has $3$ Xs, it occurs:
Explanation: $3$ times.
Practice more MCQs → 📝 Assignment · 35 marks