Line Graphs

“Line graphs” are also regarded as the line charts that are usually used in order to represent the qualitative data by means of straight lines over a specific time interval and subject. The line graphs are nothing but a graphical display that is usually used to administer the changes that are taking over a certain period of time. The line graphs are generally plotted with the help of several points and are usually connected with the help of straight lines. A line graph usually provides a clear picture of the increase as well as the decreasing trend.

Line graphs

Definition for Line graph

A line graph is a type of chart or graph that is used to plot the data and the information that is changing over a period of time. 

Parts of a Line graph

Line graph has two axes, one horizontal x-axis, and the other vertical y-axis. The line graphs usually deal with the positive values that help the axes to intersect the points that are placed on the y-axis. The various parts of a line graph include the title, scales, labels, points, and lines. 

• The title denotes the main findings or the main information that is being depicted through the graph.  
• The labels are marked along the horizontal as well as the vertical axis that denotes the kind of data that is being represented by the graphs. 
• The two different scales named horizontal and vertical scales determine the qualities of the variables that are being plotted within the graph. 
• The points or the dots denote the coordinates or the points that are being plotted to obtain the line graph. The horizontal axis determines the independent variable whereas the vertical line represents the dependent variable. 
• Straight lines are used in order to connect the points. 

Types of Line graphs 

There are three main types of line graphs in statistics. They are simple line graphs, compound line graphs, and multiple line graphs.  

• A single line graph is a type of line graph that mainly uses a single straight line. A single line is used to determine the relationship between the two different variables.
• A multiple line graph is a type of line graph that usually uses more than one line in order to depict the relationship between two or more variables within a single graph. 
• A compound line graph is also a separate type of graph that is often used when the data or the information are subdivided among different types. It represents the entire data proportion as well as determines the different layers that make up the entire data.

Key takeaways of Line graphs   

• A line graph is usually used to display the various changes that are taking place over a period of time and the points of data are usually connected through a straight line. 
• A line chart or graph is usually used to show or determine the relationship between two sets of values. 
• Line graphs are often used to demonstrate information based on different factors and patterns. 
• The slope that is obtained from this line graph is considered the most important determinant and important observation in this case. Slope determines the steepness. The steep helps to create a comparison between the magnitude of the changes and the comparison is being conducted between the consecutive points within the line graph.  

Example of Line graph 

A line graph is platted in order to determine the net sales of cars of a car company for the month of June till January. In this case, the time interval is being plotted on the x-axis of the line graph whereas the number of cars that are being sold in this time period is being plotted on the y-axis. The dark point is regarded as the data point used to represent the quantity that matches through a particular time in the x-axis. In this case, 40 cycles are sold in the month of June and 50 cycles are sold in the month of July. Both the data are connected with the help of a straight line. 

Advantages of Line graph 

• It is an effective chart as it is easy to understand
• It is used to highlight the anomalies within the series of data

Disadvantages of Line graph 

• Too many lines within the graph make it cluttered and confusing 
• A large number of data cannot be easily plotted within a line graph.

Conclusion 

To draw a conclusion of the overall discussion, it is evident that “Line graphs” are used to determine the changes that are taking place within a significant period of time. The graph is generally used for the representation of quantitative data and to observe the changes that are taking place over a period of time. The line graphs usually go with the increase and the decrease of the trends. Single and double line graphs are the types of line graphs.