Read the point
If Tuesday lines up with 12 on the vertical axis, the value on Tuesday is 12.
Use the horizontal axis first, then read up to the vertical scale.
Year 5
Solve comparison, sum and difference problems using information presented in a line graph
Read line graphs carefully and use them to solve comparison, sum and difference problems.
Lesson overview
Statistics
A line graph shows how a value changes. We read each plotted point using the axes, then compare values or calculate totals and differences from the graph.
Find the difference
If Monday is 8 and Thursday is 14, the difference is 6.
Difference means subtract.
Find the total
If Wednesday is 10 and Thursday is 14, the total is 24.
Sum means add the values.
Worked example
A line graph shows 9 on Friday and 15 on Saturday. How much greater is Saturday?
- Read the two values from the graph.
- Friday is 9 and Saturday is 15.
- Subtract 9 from 15.
- Saturday is 6 greater.
Round 1: Learn it
Read the graph values first, then choose whether to add or subtract.
Finish this round to unlock Round 2: Show you know it.
Question 1
If a point for Tuesday lines up with 12, what is the Tuesday value?
Question 2
Monday is 8 and Thursday is 14. What is the difference?
Question 3
Wednesday is 10 and Thursday is 14. What is the sum?
Question 4
Friday is 9 and Saturday is 15. How much greater is Saturday?
Question 5
Which operation fits a line-graph total?
Common mistakes
Watch for these as you work through the lesson.
- Reading the wrong value from the vertical axis.
- Adding when the question asks for a difference.
- Comparing the wrong two points.
Related topics
These ideas connect closely to this lesson.
- Complete, read and interpret information in tables, including timetables.
- Read and plot coordinates in the first quadrant and translate simple shapes.