Multiple time series comparison in Matplotlib - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main purpose of comparing multiple time series in data science?

To observe and analyze how different variables change over time relative to each other, helping identify patterns, correlations, or differences.

beginner

Which matplotlib function is commonly used to plot multiple time series on the same graph?

The plt.plot() function can be called multiple times or with multiple series to plot several time series on the same axes.

beginner

Why is it important to use a legend when plotting multiple time series?

A legend helps identify which line corresponds to which time series, making the graph easier to understand.

intermediate

How can you improve readability when multiple time series have very different scales?

You can use separate y-axes (twin axes) or normalize the data so all series fit well on the same scale.

beginner

What does overlapping multiple time series on one plot help you discover?

It helps discover relationships like trends, seasonal patterns, or anomalies that occur at the same time across series.

Which matplotlib function is used to add a legend to a plot?

A plt.grid()

B plt.title()

C plt.xlabel()

D plt.legend()

The plt.legend() function adds a legend to the plot, showing labels for each line.

What is a good way to handle multiple time series with very different value ranges?

A Normalize or use separate y-axes

B Plot them all on the same y-axis without changes

C Use different colors but same scale

D Plot only one series

Normalizing or using separate y-axes helps visualize series with different scales clearly.

What does overlapping multiple time series on one plot help identify?

A Only the maximum value of each series

B Relationships and patterns across series

C The average of all series combined

D The number of data points

Overlapping time series helps identify relationships, trends, and patterns across the series.

Which of these is NOT a good practice when plotting multiple time series?

A Using different colors for each series

B Adding a legend to identify series

C Plotting all series without labels

D Labeling axes clearly

Plotting without labels makes it hard to understand which line represents which series.

In matplotlib, how do you plot two time series stored in lists x and y1, y2 on the same graph?

A plt.plot(x, y1); plt.plot(x, y2)

B plt.plot(y1, y2)

C plt.scatter(x, y1, y2)

D plt.bar(x, y1, y2)

Calling plt.plot() twice with the same x and different y values plots both series on the same graph.

Explain how you would plot and compare two time series using matplotlib. Include how to make the plot clear and easy to understand.

Think about how to show both series clearly on one graph.

Describe methods to handle multiple time series with very different scales when plotting them together.

Consider how to make all series visible and comparable.