Read each X as a fraction of an inch. Put pieces end to end by adding the fractions. How much longer? Subtract the smaller fraction from the bigger one.
Worked example
Each X on the line plot is the length of one leaf in inches. The leaves that are 512 inches long are put end to end. How long are they together?
Answer:11 inches
There are 2 of them, each 5 1/2. 2 × 11/2 = 22/2 = 11 inches. Answer: 11 inches.
For grown-ups: Line plots with fractional data. Below: three problems to try with the worked answers, and a free printable sheet. Children can practise the same skill as a game, with no sign-up and no ads.
CCSS 4.MD.B.4
CCSS 5.MD.B.2
What this practises, for teachers
Practices line plots with fractional data (4.MD.B.4, 5.MD.B.2). A printable sheet with its answer key, worked answers on the page, no accounts.
Each X on the line plot is the length of one crayon in inches. How much longer is the longest than the shortest?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one leaf in inches. The leaves that are 312 inches long are put end to end. How long are they together?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one crayon in inches. How much longer is the longest than the shortest?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one leaf in inches. How much longer is the longest than the shortest?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one feather in inches. How much longer is the longest than the shortest?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one strip of paper in inches. The strips of paper that are 212 inches long are put end to end. How long are they together?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one twig in inches. The two longest twigs are put end to end. How long are they together?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one ribbon in inches. All the ribbons are put end to end. How long are they all together?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one twig in inches. The twigs that are 38 inches long are put end to end. How long are they together?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one strip of paper in inches. All the strips of paper are put end to end. How long are they all together?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one feather in inches. The two longest feathers are put end to end. How long are they together?
Each X on the line plot is the length of one pencil in inches. All the pencils are put end to end. How long are they all together?