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Year 11 - Maths

Histograms with equal bar width

Graphical representations of data: cumulative frequency and histograms

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 construct bar charts for continuous data.

Key Notes

  • A histogram is a bar chart for continuous data
  • The bars are adjacent due to the nature of the data
  • The bars are all the same width to allow easier comparisons

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Histogram: A histogram is a diagram consisting of rectangles whose area is proportional to the frequency in each class and whose width is equal to the class interval.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Histograms with unequal bar widths are plotted against the frequency and/or pupils read the frequency density as the frequency of the class width.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

A histogram is a bar chart for continuous data. The bars are adjacent due to the nature of the data.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Histogram'

A histogram is a diagram consisting of rectangles whose area is proportional to the frequency in each class and whose width is equal to the class interval. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Histograms with unequal bar widths are plotted against the frequency and/or pupils read the frequency density as the frequency of the class width. Correction: Show what a histogram with unequal bar widths looks like when plotted against frequency. This visual aid will show pupils the distribution of data is difficult to see.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 Maths guide library.