Arithmetic line graph
Also called: Time series graph · Topic: Economic Data: Census, NSS, Surveys and Statistical Tools · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 4 "Presentation of Data"
Meaning
An arithmetic line graph is also called a time series graph. Time goes on the X-axis and the value of the variable goes on the Y-axis. The plotted points are joined by lines. It shows the trend (the long-run direction) and periodicity (repeating ups and downs) at a glance. Two or more series can be drawn on the same graph for comparison.
Example
DGCI&S trade data (in Rs 100 crore) show exports rising from 698 in 1993-94 to 19,050 in 2013-14. Over the same years, imports rose from 731 to 27,154. On a line graph, the import line stays above the export line throughout, and the gap widens after 2001-02.
Don't confuse with
- Bar diagram: this compares separate items with bars. A line graph shows how one variable moves over time.
Related concepts
- Raw data
- Classification
- Chronological classification
- Spatial classification
- Qualitative classification
- Quantitative classification
- Attribute
- Continuous variable
- Discrete variable
- Frequency