Measurement and Data: Interpreting Line Plots CCSS 4.MD.4 Worksheets

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Table of Contents

We can collect measurements as data. One way to collate these data is by creating a line plot.

See the fact file below for more information on the interpreting line plots or alternatively, you can download our 28-page Measurement and Data: Interpreting Line Plots CCSS 4.MD.4 worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:

At the end of the lesson, the student will be able to read line plots (estimated to fractions) as data that can be interpreted with addition or subtraction.

A NOTE FOR THE TEACHER:

When interpreting line plots, take note of the following:
- Remember that the dots represent the specific subjects in the situation.
- Remember that the values in the number line represent values of measurements.
- Write the value of the fraction (if not written in the number line) to avoid confusion.
- Remind the student to reread the question and line plot.

THEORY:

We can collect measurements as data. One way to collate these data is by creating a line plot.
Recall that a line plot is a graph that shows data using a number line.
A line plot has different parts:
- First, the number line that includes all the values in the data set. In this lesson’s context, the values in the number line are measurement values with fractions involved.
- Next, dots are placed above each data value (or each measurement) on the number line. We should note that when a value occurs more than once in the data set, a new dot is placed above the data value on the number line. Occurrences may happen more than once; thus, just place a dot above if it happens.
Consider the data set below:
- Rachelle collected five stones and measured each of its mass. Each weight was rounded to the nearest ¼.
- Measurements of the five stones were: 2 ¼ g, 3 ½ g, 3 ½ g, 2 ½ g, 3 g.
- Notice that 3 ½ g is a recurring measurement value; thus, we should assume that two dots will be seen above the value 3 ½ on the number line.
We can create a number line from 2 until 4, and divide it into ¼.
Number line:

Plotting the values, the line plot will look like this:

We can now interpret the line plot by knowing that the sum of the 2 heaviest stones is 3 ½ + 3 ½. We can also now easily compare these measurements based on what is heavy than what.
Note that interpreting line plots requires understanding relationships of the data sets to each other and the relationship of the data sets to its corresponding measurement value on the number line.