Year 11 - Maths
Comparing box plots
Graphical representations of data: cumulative frequency and histograms
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils consider cumulative frequency graphs and histograms, and compare these with other known graphical representations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to interpret a box plot and compare two box plots.
Key Notes
- A box plot allows us to make conclusions about the data set
- Box plots can be compared to highlight similarities/differences in data sets
- The box part tells us about the middle 50% of the data
Vocabulary To Learn
- Box plot: A box plot is a diagram that clearly shows the minimum and maximum value of a data set along with the three quartiles.
- Median: The median is the central (middle) piece of data when the data are in numerical order. It is a measure of central tendency representing the average of the values.
- Range: The range is a measure of spread. It is found by finding the difference between the highest and lowest values.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not referring to the context of the question when comparing the data.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
A box plot allows us to make conclusions about the data set. Box plots can be compared to highlight similarities/differences in data sets.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Box plot'
A box plot is a diagram that clearly shows the minimum and maximum value of a data set along with the three quartiles. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Not referring to the context of the question when comparing the data. Correction: Highlight that just saying the median or the middle 50% of data is bigger is of little use unless you know what the data was about. Check that pupils understand the context of the question.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Constructing a cumulative frequency graph Study Guide
- Constructing box plots Study Guide
- Constructing histograms and box plots using technology Study Guide
- Histograms with equal bar width Study Guide
- Histograms with unequal bar width Study Guide
- Interpreting a cumulative frequency graph Study Guide
- Interquartile range Study Guide
- Moving between tables and histograms Study Guide
- Problem solving with cumulative frequency and histograms Study Guide
- Summary statistics from histograms Study Guide
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