Concept 6 of 6
Line Plots
Today's big idea
A line plot puts one X above each measured length.
Count the Xs stacked above a length.
How it works
👀 What's going on?
Ten pencils are measured. How do you show them all at a glance?
💡 Here's the trick
A line plot puts a mark above each measured length on a number line. A taller stack means more of that length.
For lengths 5, 6, 6, 7 cm: put one X above 5, two Xs above 6, and one X above 7.
✍️ Try it
On a plot, 8 cm has 3 Xs. How many pencils are 8 cm long? → 3.
⚠️ Watch out
Each X stands for one thing, so count the Xs, not the number below.
Watch me solve one
Quanta solves it
“Watch how I think through one of these — then you try.”
THE PROBLEM
“On a line plot, 6 cm has 2 Xs. How many pencils are 6 cm long?”
- 1
Count the Xs, not the number
Two Xs sit above 6.
- 2
Answer ✓
2 pencils
Now you try one — same steps, different story 👇
See it in action
⚡ Time to play!
Count the Xs — not the number below.
How many pencils are 8 cm long?
Quick check
✅ VERIFICATION
A line plot shows 4 Xs above 10 cm. How many items are 10 cm long?
⚡ Finish the activity above first to answer.
Keep going!