Time series graphs show data over a time period. The time period is always shown on the x-axis. Data points are joined chronologically by line segments.

Constructing time series graphs

Maths

In the prior unit, pupils explored different graphs and charts as a way of presenting data visually. Pupils were introduced to scatter graphs and learnt how to construct them. In this unit, this understanding is extended to using a line of best fit to allow interpolation.

Graphical representations of data: scatter graphs and time series

A {{ }} graph is used to show data over a time period.

Izzy records how many birds appear in her garden over the course of a day. Here is her time-series graph. Izzy should label the horizontal axis {{ }}. (Do not include units in your answer).

A point on this axis has been labelled $$p$$. The value of $$p$$ is {{ }}.

Jun plots a time series graph using time intervals that are regular and quarterly. The first month on his graph is April, the next quarter starts with the month of {{ }}.

The time-series graph shows information about internet connection in Great Britain in households with 1 adult aged over 65. In 2015, approximately {{ }} % of households  have internet access.

The time series graph to show the temperatures in Sheffield between 2012 and 2019. In how many quarters does the mean maximum temperature reach over 20°C ? {{ }} quarters.

__________ is the mathematical term for a data point that is extremely large or small compared to the rest of the dataset.

No, all datasets will have a lowest value.

No, there will always be a datapoint that is higher than the rest.

Yes, all data points will always cluster.

Yes, there may be no points that are far away from the main cluster of data.

Lucas says that he has a dataset with no outliers. Could Lucas be correct?

town with a high population and many cars

The scatter graph shows information about population and number of cars in a set of towns. Each point represents a town. Match each outlier to the correct statement.

Yes, if a data point is extremely small then it must be an error.

No, an outlier is just an unusual result in the data.

It depends, you should investigate each outlier carefully.

Izzy says you should always ignore an outlier. Is Izzy correct?

Yes, outliers are always too far from the rest of the data to show.

Yes, you may need to zoom in on the graph to use interpolation.

No, otherwise the scatter graph is wrong.

No, the outlier may help highlight useful information.

Yes, removing it can make the trend of the data easier to see.

Andeep says you should not show the outlier on a scatter graph. Is Andeep correct?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Constructing time series graphs

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.