Dot+Diagrams

=__Dot Diagrams__=

What are dot diagrams?
Dot diagrams are basically **dots above a number line**. The dots represent the values in the set of data. Here is a simple example of a dot diagram: Notice how there are blanks in between the various numbers. These blanks are because there is no value at the certain number. In a dot diagram, the values on the numbers on the number line have to be at **equal intervals**. For example, you can't do this: This dot diagram skips the blanks, and thus are not at equal intervals.

Why use dot diagrams?
Many people prefer to obtain data from pictures to written material. From these pictures, numerical data can be summarised clearly and easily. Also, dot diagrams illustrate a pattern in the distribution of data, and clearly show if the data is evenly spread out, or clustered about any point. Thus, dot diagrams are good for tabulating the results of small surveys.