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Statistics and data
Lesson 65 of 75
Review

Compare distributions

Objective. Compare data sets using averages, spread and context.

  1. 1. Learn
  2. 2. Worked example
  3. 3. Practice
  4. 4. Feedback
  5. 5. Continue

Learn: the key idea

Compare distributions develops a connected mathematical idea rather than an isolated trick. Compare distributions and communicate evidence responsibly. Begin by representing the quantities or relationships, choose a rule that fits, justify each transformation, and finish by checking units, signs, scale and whether the answer is reasonable.

Worked example

Find the mean of 7, 9, 11, 13, 15.

79111315
Bar chart of the values 7, 9, 11, 13, 15
  1. 1Identify the known information, the unknown and any conditions.
  2. 2Choose a diagram, table, graph or algebraic representation that exposes the structure.
  3. 3Apply the relevant rule one justified step at a time, keeping exact values where useful.
  4. 4Check by substitution, inverse reasoning or estimation. The result is 11.

Answer: 11

Concept mastery

Based on your past attempts at this lesson — the question types to practise again come first.

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Practice

Practice happens on its own screen, one question at a time. Answers stay hidden until you submit yours, and you can stop and pick up at the same question later.

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Common mistake. A common error in compare distributions is to copy a procedure without checking its conditions. Label the structure first and justify every sign, operation and unit.

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