Lesson 8 — Activity 2: Using a Chart/Graph to Find Missing Information


Another way to solve a problem is by using a graph or a chart. You can do either one of two things once you have a graph.


Interpolation:

  • This is where you estimate a value between two known values.
For example, if you know 2 students will eat 4 hot dogs and 4 students will eat 8 hot dogs, you can interpolate (estimate) that 3 students will eat 6 hot dogs.

Extrapolation:

  • This is where you estimate a value beyond known values. It usually involves extending a graph beyond where it ends to solve for a missing piece of information.

If you use the example above, you could extrapolate that 5 students will eat 10 hotdogs. You have gone beyond the information you know and using the information you had, made a logical choice to answer the question.



You will practise using a graph in this activity.
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