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Interpreting Line Graphs
Understanding the
language of line graphs.
Line Graphs Express Slope
• Line graphs provide an
excellent way to map
independent and dependent
variables that are quantitative.
• When both variables are
quantitative, the line segment
that connects two points on
the graph expresses a slope.
• The slope of lines on a graph
can be interpreted visually
when looked at in relation to
the slope of other lines.
Let’s Review Slope
• The slope of a line measures the steepness of the line.
• Most of you are probably familiar with associating slope with "rise
over run".
• Rise means how many units you move up or down from point to
point. On the graph that would be a change in the y values.
• Run means how far left or right you move from point to point. On
the graph, that would mean a change of x values.
What do these lines mean at a
glance?
What would it look like?
• Draw a quick graph displaying distance y (mi)
as a function of time x (hrs). Don’t worry about
•
•
•
•
making it perfect according to the rules this time.
Mrs. Goble’s dog leaves her house to chase a squirrel.
The dog gets tired and decides to take a nap under a tree in
the woods.
The dog wakes up and goes to the neighbors house to get in
the trash.
After getting ran-off the dog goes back home to get in his
own trash.
Understanding Graphing Verbs
When we
interpret graphs
there are verbs
that are
commonly used
to describe rise
over run.
Understanding
them helps us
interpret graphs.
Use a dictionary to find
the meaning of the
following verbs:
plummet
soar
fluctuate
increase
rocket
drop
level out
decline
peak
decrease
rise
fall
Write the answer to these questions
while discussing with an elbow
partner.
1. Which 5 verbs mean go up?
2. Of these, which 3 mean go up suddenly/a lot?
3. Which 5 verbs mean go down?
4. Which verb means reach its highest level?
5. Which verb means stay the same?
6. Which verb means go up and down?
7. Which verbs are associated with rise and which
with run?
Now decide which parts of the graph below,
showing the book sales of a book between 1990 and
2000, can be described using the verbs you defined.
Interpretation can also be made in more
detail by modifying a verb with an adverb.
• Using the same graph
as before on the sales
of a book from19902000, make sentences
describing the changes
represented from
month to month using
verbs and adverbs.
1. 1990 – 1992
2. 1992 – 1994
3. 1994 – 1997
4. 1997 – 2000
Adverbs:
slightly slowly sharply
rapidly steadily gradually
moderately dramatically
Create sentences using verbs and
adverbs
1.
2.
3.
4.
1990 – 1992
1992 – 1994
1994 – 1997
1997 – 2000
Adverbs:
slightly slowly sharply
rapidly steadily gradually
moderately dramatically
Knowing graphing vocabulary helps
you understand what the graph is
trying tell you in when it’s picture
form.
Create Your Own Graph
• Using the data provided create a line graph.
• Be sure that you have followed all the line
graphing rules.
• When your line graph is completed, write a
paragraph interpreting what the graph is
displaying with words. Use both verbs and
adverbs.
• Be ready to share out with the class.