Using Graphs to Compare Relationships

Student Summary

Here is a graph that shows the price of blueberries at two different stores. Which store has a better price?

Two line graphs. Weight in pounds. Cost in dollars. Horizontal axis, 0 to 5, by 1's. Vertical Axis, 0 to 40, by 10's.
Two line graphs. Weight in pounds. Cost in dollars. Horizontal axis, 0 to 5, by 1's. Vertical Axis, 0 to 40, by 10's. First line begins at origin, trends upward and right, passes through 1 comma 6, 2 comma 12, 3 comma 18, 4 point 5 comma 27. Second line begins at origin, trends upward and right, passes through 1 comma 4, 3 comma 12, 4 point 5 comma 18. 

We can compare points that have the same xx value or the same yy value. For example, the points (2,12)(2, 12) and (3,12)(3, 12) tell us that at Store B you can get more pounds of blueberries for the same price.

The points (3,12)(3, 12) and (3,18)(3, 18) tell us that at Store A you have to pay more for the same quantity of blueberries. This means Store B has the better price.

We can also use the graphs to compare the constants of proportionality. The line representing Store B goes through the point (1,4)(1, 4), so the constant of proportionality is 4. This tells us that at Store B the blueberries cost $4 per pound. This is cheaper than the $6 per pound unit price at Store A.

Visual / Anchor Chart

Standards

Building On
5.NF.B

5.NF.B

Addressing
7.RP.2

7.RP.A.2

7.RP.2

7.RP.A.2

Building Toward
7.RP.1

7.RP.A.1