how do I insert a break even line in charts

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Level 1

9 points

how do I insert a break even line in charts

Hi,

I'm sorry, this may seem a very simple question but I'm a novice.... This is the first time I'm working with Numbers.

I have a column chart which shows the values of medical expenses (one column per person). I wish to insert a horizontal line which shows the value of the premiums we pay. It is a simple line of a particular value which goes across the columns showing the break even point.

How do I do this? I've tried trendlines but the linear line I get can't be moved or given a value.

Thanks for your help!

Posted on Aug 13, 2011 3:30 AM

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Answer 1

vjdjr

Level 2

198 points

Aug 13, 2011 4:24 AM in response to Peli

Peli, I think you might want to go through the Numbers User Guide (much more readable than it sounds) to create a "mixed chart": one set with the columns you already have, and another with a single straight line, the break-even point you envision. The User Guide can be found under the Help tab.

If you find you need further help, come on back here. But we'll probably need some specific (if fictional) data to work with.

Vince

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Answer 2

Aug 13, 2011 5:47 PM in response to Peli

Peli,

If this break-even line isn't something that will be moving around as you update the spreadsheet, an easy way to add it is to simply Insert > Shape > Line. Position and size the line on your chart.

This is really only practical if you used Fixed axis scale on Y, unless you don't mind and won't forget, making the line adjustments when the Chart Autoscales.

If you want the line if front, you're done. If you want your line behind the bars of the chart, set the Chart Fill to None, then Select the Line and Arrange > Send to Back.

Jerry

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