Same destination. Different journeys.
Net change cannot describe every movement along the way.
The short answer
Endpoints summarise the net result. Intermediate observations tell you about the recorded path. Neither set reveals the values between observations or proves what happens next. Keep the frequency in view when discussing smoothness.
A worked example
Both [100, 120, 80, 110] and [100, 103, 107, 110] finish 10% above their starting point. The first ranges across 40 units and changes direction; the second ranges across 10 units and rises at each observation.
Your turn
Choose the third chart in Observation Card. Record the equal endpoints as one fact and the differing observed ranges as another. Keep any explanation of the difference labelled as a hypothesis.
What this does not tell you
An illustrative calculation does not explain causes or predict future results. Check the dates, units and missing observations before using the method elsewhere.
Related term
RangeSources & review
Original Charts Haven example. All stated numbers are illustrative and allow you to repeat the calculation.
Next lesson: Look beyond the window