Line Graph Examples in Statistics

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Line Graph.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Statistics.

Concept Recap

A line graph is a chart that uses points connected by straight line segments to show how a quantity changes over time or across a continuous variable. The horizontal axis typically represents time, and the vertical axis represents the measured value.

Line graphs are like following a hiking trail on a map - they show the journey of a number over time. Going up means increasing, going down means decreasing. The steeper the line, the faster the change.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Line graphs show how a quantity changes continuously over time. The slope of each segment shows the rate of change.

Common stuck point: Students try to use line graphs for categorical data (like favorite colors) — line graphs are for continuous or ordered data only.

Sense of Study hint: When creating a line graph, first label the x-axis with evenly spaced time intervals and the y-axis with a scale starting at zero. Then plot each data point at its correct position. Finally, connect the points with straight lines and add a title.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
The table shows the temperature at noon each day for five days: Monday 12°C, Tuesday 14°C, Wednesday 11°C, Thursday 15°C, Friday 13°C. Describe how you would draw a line graph to display this data.

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: Draw the horizontal axis (x-axis) and label it with the days of the week: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri.
  2. 2
    Step 2: Draw the vertical axis (y-axis) and label it 'Temperature (°C)'. Choose a scale from 10°C to 16°C with intervals of 1°C.
  3. 3
    Step 3: Plot each data point at the correct position — (Mon, 12), (Tue, 14), (Wed, 11), (Thu, 15), (Fri, 13).
  4. 4
    Step 4: Connect the points with straight line segments from left to right to show the trend over time.

Answer

A line graph with days on the x-axis and temperature on the y-axis, with points at (Mon,12), (Tue,14), (Wed,11), (Thu,15), (Fri,13) connected by line segments.
Line graphs are used to display data that changes over time. The horizontal axis shows the time intervals and the vertical axis shows the measured quantity. Connecting the points with lines helps visualise trends and patterns.

Example 2

medium
A shop recorded weekly sales (in units) over 6 weeks: 40, 55, 50, 65, 60, 75. From the line graph of this data, identify (a) the overall trend and (b) the week with the largest increase in sales.

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

medium
A city recorded the average monthly rainfall (in mm) from January to June: 30, 25, 40, 55, 70, 85. Between which two consecutive months did rainfall increase the most?

Example 2

hard
Two towns recorded their noon temperatures (°C) over 4 days. Town A: 18, 22, 19, 25. Town B: 20, 21, 20, 21. Both are plotted on the same line graph. Which town shows greater variability and how can you tell from the graph?
← Back to Line Graph Practice Mode

Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

data representationcoordinate plane