Question

what was the shortest measurement? length of insects (in inches) a line plot with xs representing insect lengths at different marks on the axis, and a question to find the shortest measurement, with a box to fill in the answer in inches

Explanation:

Step1: Identify leftmost data point

The leftmost group of X's is at the tick mark between 1 and 2. This tick mark represents $1\frac{1}{2}$ (or $\frac{3}{2}$) inches, as it is the midpoint of 1 and 2.

Step2: Confirm shortest measurement

On a number line, values increase from left to right, so the leftmost point is the smallest.

Answer:

$\frac{3}{2}$ (or $1\frac{1}{2}$) inches