A line graph is mostly used to show change over time as a series of data points connected by line segments on the coordinate plane. The line graph therefore helps to find the relationship between two data sets, with one data set always being dependent on the other set.
Line graphs are drawn such that the independent data values are on the x-axis and the dependent data values are on the y-axis. Line graphs are used to track changes over short and long periods of time or some independent variable.
Let's define the various parts of a line graph.
| S.No. |
Part & Description |
| 1 |
Title
The title of the graph tells us what the graph is all about.
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| 2 |
Labels
The horizontal label across the bottom and the vertical label along the side tells us what kinds of data is being shown.
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| 3 |
Scales
The horizontal scale across the bottom and the vertical scale along the side tell us how much or how many.
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| 4 |
Points
The points or dots on the graph represents the (x,y) coordinates or ordered pairs.
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| 5 |
Lines
The line segments connecting the points give estimated values between th points.
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Uses of line graphs
Line graphs are useful in that they show data variables and trends clearly and help us make predictions about the results of data not yet included. They can also be used to show several dependent variables against one independent variable. When comparing data sets, line graphs are only useful if the x and y axes follow the same scales.
Interpreting line graphs
We interpret line graphs by studying and analysing data from line graphs. Interpreting the line graph data is
- Making sense of the given data
- Answering queries about the data
- Making predictions on trends,
- Finding value of one variable given the value of the other and so on.
