A graph that connects points to show how information changes over time.GLE 0406.5.1

0406.5.2

SPI 0406.5.1

Parts of a Line Graph

Vertical or y-axis

Horizontal or x-axis

points

Connecting line

2 4 6 8

15

10

5

0

Value for the horizontal or x-axis

Value for the vertical or y-axis

How to Make a Line Graph

1. Gather data. Line graphs will show specific changes in data. The data must have two comparable variables to use a line graph.

2. Label the horizontal or x-axis with the independent variable. This is the variable that can change.

3. Label the vertical or y-axis with the dependent variable This is the variable that won’t change.

4. Label each axis with a value and begin plotting your data. Draw a connecting line between each point.

1. Gather your data. For this example, data has been gathered about the average rainfall in TN.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Avg. High

45° 50° 61° 70° 77° 84° 87° 86° 81° 70° 58° 50°

Avg. Low

26° 28° 36° 44° 54° 61° 66° 65° 58° 46° 37° 30°

Mean

36° 40° 48° 58° 65° 74° 77° 76° 70° 58° 48° 40°

Avg. Precip.

4.3 in

4.1 in

5.1 in

3.7 in

4.1 in

4.0 in

4.7 in

3.1 in

3.1 in

2.8 in

3.8 in

4.5 in

Degrees in Fahrenheit

2. Draw a right angle and label the horizontal and vertical axis.

Average amount of rainfall in inches for each month in Knoxville, TN

Months of the year

Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

5.15.04.94.84.74.64.54.44.34.24.14.03.93.83.73.63.53.43.23.13.02.92.82.72.6

Additional Activities

http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/graphs/line.html

http://nces.ed.gov/NCESKIDS/GRAPHING/classic/line.asp

http://www.ixl.com/math/practice/grade-4-line-graphs