Grade 5 Data & Graphs: Line Plots
Read line plots of measurements in fractions of a unit
What You'll Learn
- Read measurements in halves, fourths and eighths on a line plot
- Compare fractional measurements on the number line
- Count and compare the data
📖Line Plots
A line plot shows each measurement as an X above a number line marked in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8).
Worked examples
Real problems from the practice worksheets, solved one step at a time.
Example 1
Bead Bags Each X is one bag of beads.
How many bags of beads weigh 3 pounds?
- Find 3 on the number line.
- Count the X’s above it: 3. Each X is one bag of beads.
- So 3 bags of beads measure 3 pounds.
Answer: 3
Example 2
Trail Mix Bags Each X is one bag of trail mix.
How many bags of trail mix weigh more than 1 1/8 pounds?
- Greater amounts are to the right of 1 1/8 on the number line (do not count the X’s at 1 1/8 itself).
- X’s to the right: 1 1/4 → 3, 1 3/8 → 2, 1 1/2 → 2, 1 5/8 → 4, 1 3/4 → 4, 1 7/8 → 4.
- Add them: 3 + 2 + 2 + 4 + 4 + 4 = 19. So the answer is 19.
Answer: 19
Example 3
Beetle Lengths Each X is one beetle.
How many beetles are on the line plot in all?
- Each X is one beetle. Count the X’s above each number: 1 1/4 → 4, 1 1/2 → 4, 1 3/4 → 4, 2 → 3, 2 1/2 → 4, 2 3/4 → 4, 3 → 1.
- Add them all: 4 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 4 + 1 = 24. So there are 24 beetles in all.
Answer: 24