Representing data - EdexcelTime series

Data is represented in many different forms. Using bar charts, pie charts and frequency diagrams can make information easier to digest.

Part ofMathsStatistics

Time series

The table shows the number of visitors per quarter (per three months) to a seaside town.

Quarter (year)1 (2005)2 (2005)3 (2005)4 (2005)1 (2006)2 (2006)3 (2006)4 (2006)
Visitors (thousands)1424981222117
Quarter (year)
1 (2005)
2 (2005)
3 (2005)
4 (2005)
1 (2006)
2 (2006)
3 (2006)
4 (2006)
Visitors (thousands)
14
24
9
8
12
22
11
7

If this is plotted onto a graph, this will be a time series graph, as it shows the frequencies over time.

Graph of annual quarter vs number of visitors

From the graph, it can be seen that there is a large fluctuation each year in the amount of visitors. However, there is a pattern that repeats each year. For example, many more people visit in the summer months than they do in the winter months, and this is the same year by year.