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Year 10 - Maths

Checking understanding of summary statistics from a list

Comparisons of numerical summaries of data

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will compare two different data sets and compare different measures of central tendancy when interpreting the data. Pupils will learn to interrogate frequency tables and stem and leaf diagrams both with and without technology.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to calculate the mean, median, mode and range from a list of data.

Key Notes

  • The mean, median and mode are measures of central tendency.
  • The range is a measure of the spread of the data.
  • Calculating these from a list is easy when the data set is small.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • A statistical summary: sums up the features of a data set. It may contain the average (mean, median and/or mode) which measures the central tendency. It may also contain the range which measures the spread.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may forget to order the data to support finding the median, mode and range.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

The mean, median and mode are measures of central tendency. The range is a measure of the spread of the data.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'A statistical summary'

sums up the features of a data set. It may contain the average (mean, median and/or mode) which measures the central tendency. It may also contain the range which measures the spread. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Pupils may forget to order the data to support finding the median, mode and range. Correction: Use small data (ordered and unordered) to find the range and the median based on position. Race to find range and median of a longer list with one "team" ordering first and the other team not. Ordering can help with speed, accuracy and give insight.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 Maths guide library.