Line Graphs!

Hi, My name is Professor Elliott and I am going to teach you how to create and use line graphs! The purpose of this lesson is to teach you how line graphs are useful and when they can be used, but also how to create a line graph yourself!

Definition: Line graph- a graph that shows the data value for each category as a dot.

Line graphs are actually used a lot in daily life! You've probably seen one without even realizing it was a line graph! They aren't just used in math either, line graphs are used by historians, scientists and engineers! Take a look at these examples of how line graphs are used in daily life:

Okay, now lets create our own line graphs!

Step 1: Title your graph. Your title should appear at the top of the graph and should explain what your graph is about.

Step 2: Draw and label your axis. Normally, the y-axis starts at 0 and depicts the numbers of the amount of things being measured in your data. The x-axis usually shows time periods, names, or objects that your data contains. Make sure you label the axis in order for the viewer of the graph to understand what the numbers represent; like a legend on a map, the axis explain what the dots mean.

Step 3: Plot your data! Start by going across the x-axis then go up to the number that corresponds on the y-axis and plot a dot.

Step 4: Connect the dots!

Heres an example: 

-notice how the graph has a title explaining the information.
-the x-axis is shown in Age and the y-axis shows the number of teens with cell phones who are the corresponding age on the x-axis and how the axis have been labelled so one can understand the data.
-Also, notice how the dots have been connected, and easily show how the older the teen the more likely they are to have a cellphone.






Why are line graphs used? 
Line graphs are used to clearly depict data, and to show an upward or downward trend. Line graphs are considered most helpful when used to track changes over time or to show many years of data. Thus, they are most often used in case studies and this is why line graphs aren't solely used for mathematical purposes!

**If  you are still unsure of how to create a line graph, heres a video that explains what I have written above threw drawing a graph within the video, but in very simple terms. Hope this is helpful!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2YkbdNORp8