Line Graphs

A line graph shows how something changes over time.  Many line graphs are shown on grid paper.  On the graph below, the dark blue lines are the grid or graph paper.  Dots called points are placed on the grid paper.  Then the points are connected with lines and this makes the line graph.

Every line graph has a title at the top.  The title on the graph below "Monthly Rainfall" is in green above the blue grid paper.

To read a line graph, you find a point on the graph and put your finger over it.  Then use your finger to follow along the grid paper line to find the number or word for that point.

For example, put your finger over the first gold point on the graph below, move your finger left along the dark blue grid line and you should run into the number 6.  This point means 6 inches.  Now go back to the first gold point again and move your finger all the way down along the dark blue grid line.  You should run into April.  This first gold point means that in the month of April there was 6 inches of rainfall.

Now it is time for you to try some on your own.  Answer the questions below the graph.

1.  How much rainfall was there in April? inches

2.  How much rainfall was there in May?  inches

3.  How much rainfall was there in June?  inches

4.  How much rainfall was there in July?  inches

5.  Which month had the most rainfall?

6.  Which month had the least rainfall?

7.  How many more inches of rain were there in April than in July?  inches

8.  What is the title of the line graph above?