Line Graphs

MathematicsAQAEdexcelGCSEUnit: Statistics
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The basics

Following the Journey of Data

📈 Following the Journey of Data

You're tracking your progress in a fitness app, watching your daily step count climb from 3,000 steps in January to 8,000 steps in June. A line graph connects these data points with a smooth curve, telling the complete story of your fitness journey - not just where you started and ended, but how you progressed each month, including that dip in March when you were busy with exams. Line graphs are perfect for showing how things change over time.

What is a line graph?: A line graph is a type of chart that displays data as points connected by straight lines. It's used to show how data changes over time or across a continuous variable.
Key terms

Mathematics glossary

What is a line graph?
A line graph is a type of chart that displays data as points connected by straight lines. It's used to show how data changes over time or across a continuous variable.
Exam tip

Earn the mark scheme marks

💡 Exam Tips for Line Graphs

Drawing Line Graphs:

  • Scale: Choose appropriate scales that use most of the available space
  • Equal intervals: Make sure scale intervals are equal and clearly marked
  • Plot accurately: Use a ruler to align points with grid lines
  • Join points: Connect with straight lines (unless specifically told to use curves)
  • Labels: Include clear axis labels, units, and title
  • Legend: Use different colors or line styles for multiple datasets

Reading Line Graphs:

  • Interpolation: Estimate values between plotted points
  • Extrapolation: Predict values beyond the plotted data (extend the trend)
  • Trend description: Use precise language (increasing, decreasing, constant, fluctuating)
  • Rates of change: Steeper lines = faster rate of change
  • Comparisons: Compare trends between different lines on multiple line graphs

Now try it yourself

Quiz · Question 1 of 10

A time series graph is used to show:

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