Line graphs

A time graph is a line graph which shows you data that has been collected over a period of time.

There is a title which tells you what the data in the time graph is about.

The horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) axes or lines are labelled to tell you what data has been collected and when.

The horizontal axis is a line which goes straight across from left to right.

The vertical axis is a line which goes up and down.

The vertical axis is on the left hand side of the graph and moves upwards from the horizontal axis.

Complete this interactive activity to understand how to read information in a line graph. Then put your knowledge to the test.

A time graph is a line graph that shows data collected over time.

Take a look at this one.

To understand what a time graph is showing you, you need to look at three things:

1. Title - The title tells you what the graph is about. For example, "Temperature on the First of September."

2. Horizontal Axis - This axis moves from left to right at the bottom of the graph.

3. Vertical Axis - This axis moves from the horizontal axis upwards.

Once you know what the graph is about, you can read the data.

You should always look at the scale on a time graph. The scale may go up in ones or count in steps. It might not show every number.

For example, on this graph, the vertical axis goes up in steps of 2 degrees. Even though 7 degrees and 9 degrees are not shown, they are still represented between the labeled points.

This time graph shows the measurement of a sunflower each week as it grew from a seed.

Example 2

Here is a table showing the number of cars outside the school gates between 3:00 and 3:30.

The data from this table has been put into a time graph.

The time is in five minute increments on the horizontal axis and the number of cars is on the vertical axis.

Example 3

This graph shows Jamie's car journey.