Preliminary Exam Preparation, Study Notes

Table of Contents
Chapter One: Linear Equations and Functions.....................................................................2
Algebraic Terms................................................................................................................ 2
Formulas.......................................................................................................................... 2
Expanding Expressions.................................................................................................... 2
Solving Equations............................................................................................................. 2
Equations Involving Algebraic Fractions...........................................................................2
Equations and Formulas................................................................................................... 2
Linear Functions............................................................................................................... 2
The Gradient as a Rate of Change................................................................................... 3
Linear Modelling............................................................................................................... 3
Chapter Four: Statistical Samples and Displays..................................................................4
Statistical Investigations.................................................................................................. 4
Interpreting Graphs.......................................................................................................... 4
Types of Data................................................................................................................... 4
Sample Types................................................................................................................... 4
Sampling techniques........................................................................................................ 4
Constructing graphs......................................................................................................... 5
Misleading graphs............................................................................................................ 5
Frequency histograms and polygons................................................................................5
Dot plots.......................................................................................................................... 5
Stem and Leaf plots......................................................................................................... 5
Radar Charts.................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter Five: Ratios and Similar Figures............................................................................. 6
Simplifying Ratios............................................................................................................. 6
The Unitary Method.......................................................................................................... 6
Dividing a Quantity into a Given Ratio............................................................................. 6
Scale Factors and Centre of Enlargement........................................................................6
Properties of Similar Figures............................................................................................. 6
Using Shadows and Similar Triangles...............................................................................6
Scale Drawings................................................................................................................. 6
Floor Plans and Elevations............................................................................................... 7
Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Symbols and Calculations from Plans and Elevations......................................................7

Chapter Six: Earning and Taxation...................................................................................... 8
Wages, salaries and overtime.......................................................................................... 8
Commission, Piecework and Royalties.............................................................................8
Bonuses and Allowances.................................................................................................. 8
Gross and Net Pay............................................................................................................ 8
Household Bills................................................................................................................. 9
Budgeting......................................................................................................................... 9
Income tax....................................................................................................................... 9
Goods and Services Tax................................................................................................... 9
Chapter Seven: Trigonometry............................................................................................ 10
Pythagoras theorem...................................................................................................... 10
Investigating the Tangent Ratio...................................................................................... 10
Investigating the Sine Ratio........................................................................................... 10
Investigating the Cosine Ratio....................................................................................... 10
Mixed Problems.............................................................................................................. 10
Bearings......................................................................................................................... 10
HELP PAGES 246 to 287.............................................................................................. 11
Chapter Eight: Rates and Linear Modelling.......................................................................12
Rates.............................................................................................................................. 12
Rate Problems................................................................................................................ 12
Speed and Fuel Consumption......................................................................................... 12
Converting Rates............................................................................................................ 13
Graphing Linear Functions............................................................................................. 13
Direct Linear Variation.................................................................................................... 13
Conversion Graphs......................................................................................................... 13
Linear Modelling............................................................................................................. 14
Chapter Nine: Probability.................................................................................................. 15
The Language of Probability........................................................................................... 15
Outcomes and Sample Spaces....................................................................................... 15
Multistage Events........................................................................................................... 15
Performing Simple Experiments..................................................................................... 15
Experimental Probability................................................................................................ 15
Theoretical Probability................................................................................................... 15
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Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Complementary Events.................................................................................................. 15
Chapter Ten: Savings and Investment............................................................................... 16
Simple Interest............................................................................................................... 16
Compound Interest........................................................................................................ 16
Account Fees and Charges............................................................................................. 16
Investing in Shares......................................................................................................... 16
Inflation and Appreciation.............................................................................................. 16
Chapter Eleven: Statistical Measurement.........................................................................17
Measure of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode.................................................17
Finding Averages from Statistical Displays.....................................................................17
Using a statistical calculator given separate scores.......................................................17
Comparing Averages...................................................................................................... 17
Quartiles, Deciles and Percentiles..................................................................................17
Dispersion: Range and Interquartile Range, Standard Deviation...................................18
Boxplots......................................................................................................................... 18
Cumulative Frequency Graphs....................................................................................... 18

Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

29.08.08

Chapter One: Linear Equations and Functions

Algebraic Terms
An algebraic expression is a general statement involving pronumerals.
Pronumerals are letters of the alphabet that stand for numbers. An algebraic
expression is made up of terms.
When adding or subtracting it is important to remember to only add or
subtract like terms.
When multiplying terms with powers of the same base, add the powers.
When dividing terms with powers of the same base, subtract the
powers.

Formulas
A formula is an algebraic rule describing a relationship between pronumerals. For
example, the volume of a cylinder has the formula
where r represents the radius of the cylinders base and h is its height. This means
that the volume of the cylinder is the product of
, the radius squared and the height.

Expanding Expressions
Algebraic expressions involving grouping symbols (brackets) can be expanded and
simplified. Expanding means rewriting the expression the long way and removing
the grouping symbols.

Solving Equations
An equation contains an algebraic expression and an equals sign. To solve an
equation, we find the value of the pronumeral that makes the equation true. The
process of solving an equation requires the use of inverse (opposite) operations.
To solve an equation you must:
1. Perform inverse operations on both sides of the equation
2. Aim to have the pronumeral on one side and a number on the other.
E.g. x=12

Equations Involving Algebraic Fractions

For equations involving algebraic fractions, both sides can be multiplied by a
common multiple of the denominators, found by multiplying the denominators
together. This way, we convert all fractions into whole numbers and then solve the
equation the usual way.

Equations and Formulas

Sometimes when solving a problem involving a formula, the answer is not
immediately found after substituting into a value. Instead an equation results,
which must then be solved.
Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Linear Functions
To calculate the gradient of a line you use the formula m=
.

A linear function forms a graph that creates a straight line.

A linear function has the form y=mx+b, where m and b are constant
numbers.
A linear function has 2 terms: mx is called the linear term as it contains
the variable x (but not raised to a power), while b is called the constant
term because it is just a number (no variable).
Any function containing higher powers of x such as are called non-linear
functions.
When a linear function is written in the form of y=mx+b, its gradient
and y-intercept are easily identified. The gradient is m and the yintercept is b.
A positive gradient means that the graph is sloping upwards (left to
right)
A negative gradient means the graph is sloping downwards (right to
left)
A gradient of -2 means that as the x-values increase by 1, the y values
decrease by 2. To draw a gradient of -2 on the number plane, move
across 1 unit (as usual), but then go down 2 units.

The Gradient as a Rate of Change

The gradient of a function is the rate of change of y. The gradient is not only a
measure of steepness of a line, but also a measurement of how quickly y values
change. The higher the gradient, the steeper the line and the faster y changes
relative to x. When a line is horizontal it is evident that there is a run, but no
rise. With vertical lines this is opposite with no run and a run.

Linear Modelling
The graph of a linear function (y=mx+b) is a straight line, demonstrating that the
variable y is changing at a steady rate. In fact, as x increases by 1 unit, y
increases by m units. Because the value of units. Because the value of y depends
on the value of x, y is called the dependant variable and x is called the
independent variable. For y=mx+b, the gradient (m) is the rate of change of y,
and the vertical intercept (b) is the value of y when x=0. If a observed number
pattern suggests a linear relationship, then we use the linear function y=mx+b to
model the situation, this is called a linear model.

Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Chapter Four: Statistical Samples and Displays

Statistical Investigations
In statistical investigations there are three main stages including:
1.
Collect and organize information or data
2.
Summarise and display this data
3.
Analyse and interpret this data

Interpreting Graphs
See page 116 for graph and explanation. No notes!!!

Types of Data
Categorical Data obtained form a categorical variable is information that
can be put into categories that are distinct or arranged in some order (for
example, do you own a pet?, the answer is a yes or no)
Numerical data is obtained from a numeric variable and is information
represented by numbers. The data can be discrete or continuous.
Discrete: obtained through a counting process. The possible values are
clearly separated from each other.
Continuous: obtained through a measuring process. The possible values
are on a continuous scale.

Sample Types
Samples are often conducted when a population s too large or difficult to
survey. A population refers to the total amount of items under consideration.
There are three types of random samples including:
1.
Simple random sample: each member of the population is
equally likely to be chosen, so the sample has the attributes of the
whole population. For example, names drawn out of a hat or winning
balls in lotto are picked by a tumbler.
2.
Systematic sample: the first member of the survey is chosen at
random, then the others chosen at regular intervals. For example, every
20th light bulb is taken from a conveyer belt for testing.
3.
Stratified sample: the population divided into equal strata or
layers, and then a random sample is taken from each strata or layer.

Sampling techniques
Sampling techniques include random numbers which can be used to
simulate a variety of situations. To use a table of random numbers, chose
any starting point, them move systematically up, down or diagonally.
Another example of a sampling technique is Bias and non-random sampling.
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Bias usually occurs in a non-random sample favoring one section of the

population.

Constructing graphs
Data represented graphically is visually appealing, and we are more likely to
notice paterns if data is represented in a statistical graph. A statistical
display should be simple and interesting and make an impact, but should not
mislead the reader.

Misleading graphs
Statistical graphs are often used to display information in a way that may
mislead the reader. Advertisers use graphs to entice us to buy products, and
company directors often use graphs to display statistical information to their
advantage when dealing with shareholders or prospective clients.

Frequency histograms and polygons

A histogram is used to represent quantitative data and is a column graph
with no spaces between the columns. The height of each column is
represents the frequency of the scores.
See page 143.

Dot plots
A dot plot is a simplified type of histogram. It is easy to see where clusters
of scores occur and each score is represented by a symbol, usually a dot.
See page 147.

Stem and Leaf plots

See page 149. A stem and leaf plot is represented by a column showing tens
(stem) and ones (leaf) for example 4(stem) and 3(leaf) equates to a score of
43.

Radar Charts
Divide all outcomes by 360 degrees. If more then more, use separate color
and indicate this. Label the graph

Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Chapter Five: Ratios and Similar Figures

Simplifying Ratios
The parts of a ratio are called terms. A simplified ratio is one where the
terms are whole numbers with not common factor. To simplify a ratio, we
divide or multiply each of its term by the same number.

The Unitary Method

The unitary method can be used to solve problems involving ratios. The
unitary method considers the value of one part and uses this to calculate
other parts.

Dividing a Quantity into a Given Ratio

When dividing the value of the parts of a quantity divided into a given ratio,
we can use the unitary method or consider each part as a fraction of the
whole quantity.

Scale Factors and Centre of Enlargement

Similar figures are the same shape but not necessarily the same size.

All figures similar to a given figure will be an enlargement or

reduction of that figure.

The scale factor shows by how much a figure is enlarged or

reduced.

The original figure is called the object and the enlarged figure is
called the image.

The matching angles in each figure are equal to preserve the

same shape.

Two similar figures that have a scale factor of 1 are said to be

congruent.

A centre of enlargement (page 172 for example) will help one to

draw similar figure.

Properties of Similar Figures

Similar figures have all matching angles equal.

Similar figures have matching sides in the same ratio.

Using Shadows and Similar Triangles

On a sunny day, a sick of known length, such as a metre rule, and a long
tape can be used to determine the height of trees, flagpoles or buildings in
your neighbourhood with the aid of similar triangles. The stick is often
referred to as a shadow stick. One way of finding the height of an object is
by using the formula:
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Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Scale Drawings
A scale drawing is usually a reduction of a real object, such as a building, but
can be an enlargement of a very small object, such as a computer chip. The
scale factor used in a scale drawing is called the scale. Some common scale
drawings are house plans and maps. Examples of ways used to represent
scales include; 10mm to 1m, 25:1, 1:100, 1cm = 2m and so on.

Floor Plans and Elevations

When an architect is drawing up two-dimensional plans for a new home, the
view from the top looking down is called the floor plan or plan, and the views
from the front, back and sides are called elevations. The plan is a scale
drawing of the floor of the house. Yeah, (HELP?).

Symbols and Calculations from Plans and Elevations

No notes on this section, simply interpretations of graphs starting on page
188. Due to this and the fact that Im special, I need HELP.

Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

29.08.08

Chapter Six: Earning and Taxation

Wages, salaries and overtime
A wage is a payment calculated on the number of hours worked in a given period
of time, usually weekly. People who engage in manual or mechanical work earn a
wage. The more hours they work the more pay they receive.
A salary is a fixed payment quoted as a yearly amount but paid weekly,
fortnightly or monthly. People who engage in clerical and professional work earn a
salary.
Overtime pay is paid to a wage earner who works beyond normal hours. Salary
earners are not paid extra for overtime but may receive fringe benefits.

Commission, Piecework and Royalties

Not all workers are paid according to the amount of time they work.
Commission (earned by salespeople and agents) is calculated on the value of
items sold.
Piecework (earned by dressmakers, fruit pickers and craftspeople) is calculated on
the number of items made or processed.
Royalties (earned by writes, composers and inventors) are calculated on the
number of copies sold or made of their creative piece of work.

Bonuses and Allowances

A bonus is paid to employees who produce work of a high quality or volume.
An allowance is paid to employees who either incur expenses in their line of work
or work under dangerous conditions.
Annual leave loading is extra pay given during annual leave (usually 4 weeks at
Christmas time). It is paid at a rate of 17.5% of 4 weeks normal pay.
A government allowance is paid by the Federal government to people who arent
financially secure, such as the old, young, sick and unemployed.

Gross and Net Pay

Everyone who earns an income pays a percentage of it to the government as
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income tax. The government collects these taxes to fund public programs and
services such as schools. Income tax is usually deducted from a persons everyday
pay know as PAYE tax.
NET PAY=GROSS PAY TAX OTHER DEDUCTIONS

Household Bills
Features of a household bill include:
1.
Account number: Your customer ID
2.
Account period: The period of service covered by your bill
3.
Amount due, Dater Due: The amount to be paid and the due date
4.
Last bill: The amount charged on the last bill.
5.
Your payment: The amount paid on the last bill
6.
Fixed charges: Constant fees or charges for using the service
7.
Variable charges: charges based on the amount of the service used

Budgeting
A budget is a plan for managing your income wisely. A budget is divided into two
sections: income and expenses. A balanced budget has its total expenses equal to
its total income.

Income tax
The tax rate operates on a sliding scale. Not all income is taxed. For example,
deductions can be made from work related expenses. Once this is subtracted one
can work out their total taxable income.
TAXABLE INCOME = INCOME ALLOWABLE (TAX) DEDUCTIONS

Goods and Services Tax

Since the year 2000 there has been GST added to most items. GST tax is on
spending unlike income tax which is on earning.

Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

29.08.08

Chapter Seven: Trigonometry

Pythagoras theorem
Pythagoras noted that the hypotenuse is the longest side of a right-angled
triangle and is always opposite the right angle. He also noted that the square of
the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other 2 sides. This is
simplified through the formula
. When using the formulas you should:
1.
Draw a rough diagram if one is not provided.
2.
Decide whether the hypotenuse or shorter side needs to be found.
3.
Check whether the answer looks reasonable: compare it to the
diagram.
4.
Make sure that the hypotenuse is the longest side, or a shorter side is
not longer then the hypotenuse.

Investigating the Tangent Ratio

To find an angle inside the triangle when we have the opposite side and the
adjacent side we can use the formula

Investigating the Sine Ratio

To find an angle inside the triangle when we have the opposite side and the
hypotenuse we can use the formula

Investigating the Cosine Ratio

To find an angle inside the triangle when we have the adjacent side and the
hypotenuse we use the formula

Mixed Problems
When solving trigonometric problems involving right-angled triangles, it is
important to indentify which trigonometric ratio is appropriate. In order to aid this
process, students often remember the phrase SOH-CAH-TOA.

Bearings
Bearings use angles to show the direction of one location form a given point. For
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example, the bearing of Sydney to Narrabri is 166 degrees. This means that, from
Narrabri, the direction of Sydney is 166 degrees measured clockwise form north.
True bearing, are written as 3-digit angles ranging from 000 degrees to 360
degrees.
HELP PAGES 246 to 287

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%20Documents\School\2008\Term%20Three\Maths\Preliminary
%20Exam\Preliminary%20Exam%20Summaries.docx>

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Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Chapter Eight: Rates and Linear Modelling

Rates
A rate is a measurement that compares two different quantities. The table shows
examples of some rates and their units.
Rate

Units

Heartbeat

beats/minutes

Population growth

persons/year

Speed

kilometres/hou
r

Cost of meat/fruit

dollars/kilogra
m

Fuel consumption of motor litres/100km

vehicle
Concentration of pesticide grams/kilogra
m

Rate Problems
Rate problems can sometimes be solved using the unitary method. When using
the unitary method we find one part first and multiply it be the necessary number
to find the answer. When mixing a solution of medicine, nurses and pharmacists
need to make sure it contains the right amount of the drug. When mixing a batch
of pesticide, a farmer needs to make sure it is of the correct strength. The
concentration of a substance is the amount of the substance compared to the
whole mixture or solution. Concentration can be expressed as a rate or a
percentage. If expressed as a rate, it takes one of the following forms:

weight pert weight (w/w): for solids mixed with solids (e.g.
grams/kilogram for fertilizer)

weight per volume (w/v): for solids dissolved in liquids (e.g.

milligrams/millilitre for drugs)

volume per volume (v/v): for liquids mixed with liquids (e.g.
millilitres/litre for fuel)

Speed and Fuel Consumption

Speed is the rate at which something is moving or changing. The following
formula can be manipulated to find either speed, distance or time by using the
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normal step to solve an equation.

Speed
Fuel consumption is the rate at which a vehicle uses petrol, measured in litres per
100 km. A car with fuel consumption of 8.6L/100 km uses 8.6L of fuel to travel
100 km. The lower the rate, the better the fuel consumption.

Converting Rates
As km/h to m/s is a common conversion, the following graph may be handy to
remember.

3.6

Graphing Linear Functions

In Chapter One, we examined the linear function y=mx+b.

Because the value of y depends on the value of x, y is called the

dependant variable and x the independent variable.

The graph of y=mx+b is a straight line, demonstrating that y changes

at a steady rate.

In fact, m, the gradient of the line, is the rate of change of y. As x

increases by 1 unit, y increases by m units.

The value of b is the y-intercept or vertical intercept of the line, and

represents the value of y when x is zero.

Direct Linear Variation

To solve a direct variation problem:

Identify the two variables (say x and y) and form a variation equation,
y=kx.

Substitute values for x and y to find k, the constant of variation.

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Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Rewrite y=kx using the value of k.

Use y=kx to solve the problem.
See Page 208 for examples. HELP

Conversion Graphs
Conversions graphs involve interpreting graphs. A conversion graph is used to
convert between different units, such as between metric and Imperial, and in
foreign currency exchange. Most conversion graphs are line graphs that go
through (0,0), so their equations are of the y=kx and hence are examples of
direct variation.

Linear Modelling
Modelling is the use of mathematics to describe a pattern or relationship that
occurs in real life. Sometimes, the model may only be an approximation of a
situation that is more complex. A model may take the form of an algebraic
formula, a table of values or a graph. If it follows a linear relationship of the form
y=mx+b, then it is called a linear model. HELP p.313. A line of best fit represents
most or all of the points as closely as possible, goes through as many points as
possible, has roughly half of the outlying points about it and roughly half of the
outlying points below it and is drawn so that the distance between each outlying
point and the line is kept at a minimum.
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%20Documents\School\2008\Term%20Three\Maths\Preliminary
%20Exam\Preliminary%20Exam%20Summaries.docx>

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Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Chapter Nine: Probability

The Language of Probability
When we consider how likely something is to happen we look at past experience
or history, or gamily genetics, and sometimes we even use our gut feelings. Some
events are certain to occur and some will never occur, but most are somewhere in
between.

Outcomes and Sample Spaces

An outcome is the result of an experiment or game. A sample space is the set of
all possible outcomes. An event is a group of one or more outcomes. We assume
that all outcomes of an experiment or game are equally likely unless we know
otherwise. There are many reasons for outcomes not being equally likely.

Multistage Events
In an experiment consisting of more than one stage, multiply the number of
outcomes possible at each stage to get the total number of outcomes in the
sample space. For example, in a three-stage event, if there are m outcomes at the
first stage, n outcomes at the second stage and p outcomes at the third stage,
there are m x n x p outcomes in the sample space.

Performing Simple Experiments

Performing simple experiments or playing games involving change will help you
understand the probability of an event happening (or not happening) and whether
or not outcomes are equally likely.

Experimental Probability
The experimental probability of an event is the relative frequency of the event
obtained through a game or an experiment.

Theoretical Probability
The theoretical or calculated probability of an event is a mathematical measure of
the likelihood of the even occurring.

.
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(E = event, S = sample space).

Complementary Events
We have looked at the probability of an event occurring and will now look at the
probability of an event not occurring. This is called the complementary event. An
event and its compliment go together to form a whole. The sum of the
probabilities of two complementary events is 1.

P(event occurring) + P(event not occurring) = 1

P(event not occurring) = 1 P(event occurring)

P(E) = 1 P(E1) where E and E1 are complementary events

Chapter Ten: Savings and Investment

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Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Simple Interest
Interest is money earned from an investment. The original amount invested is
called the principle, and simple interest occurs when the interest is calculated as
a percentage of this principle.
SIMPLE INTEREST = PRINCIPAL INTEREST RATE TERM

Compound Interest
Simple interest is only used when the investor collects the interest earned, such
as a term deposit. Compound means combine and compound interest is when
interest is calculated on your interest. The compound interest formulas are:
A = P(1+r)n and I = A P

Account Fees and Charges

Banks and credit unions impose fees and charges on their savings accounts, for
situations such as:
1. Excessive withdrawals made in a month
2. Accounts with low balances
3. ATM withdrawals made at other ATM machines
4. Dishonored cheques
5. Overdrawn accounts
There is also Government Debts Tax (GDT) on cheque withdrawals.

Investing in Shares
When someone invests in a company they own part of that company. The
companies annual profit is divided amongst all shareholders and each share of
profit is called a dividend. The original price of a share is called its face value
while the current price is called its market value or market value.
DIVIDEND YIELD = DIVIDEND PER SHARE 100%
MARKET PRICE OF SHARE

Inflation and Appreciation

Calculating price rises after inflation is an application of increasing an amount by
percentage: but if the inflation rate remains constant, the we can use the
compound interest final amount formula [A = P(1+r)n].

Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Chapter Eleven: Statistical Measurement

Measure of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
The mean, median and mode are three summary statistics used to indicate the
middle or centre of a set of data. They are known as averages or measures of
central tendency.
For a quantitative (or numerical) data set, the centre is usually described by the
mean or median.

Mean is the arithmetic average. Insert formula from page 400.

Median is the middle score when the scores are arranged in order.
For qualitative (or categorical) data set, the centre is usually described by the
mode:

Mode is the score (or category) occurring the most times.

Finding Averages from Statistical Displays

Where data is displayed in a table, chart or graph, it is important to determine
how many scores are represented before attempting to find the mean, median or
mode.

Using a statistical calculator given separate scores

1.
2.
3.
4.

set your calculator to statistics mode

clear any previous data (memory)
enter each score and press the M+ key after entering the score
check you have entered the scores by pressing the n key, this number
should equal the total amount of scores in the data set, if not restart and
clear memory
5. press the average key (line above the x)

Comparing Averages
The three distributions show the relative position of each measure of central
tendency in a symmetrical or skewed frequency distribution. The tail in a skewed
distribution tell you the direction of the skew.

Suppose, for example, that the diagrams represent the results in three different
Maths tests. Then:

(a) represents a standard test where class results are evenly spread

(b) represents a difficult test where most of the class results are low

(c) represents an easy test where most of the class scores are high
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Maths Preliminary Study Notes

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Quartiles, Deciles and Percentiles

Deciles, quartiles and percentiles refer to specific percentages of a distribution of
scores. A distribution can be divided into 100 percentiles, 10 deciles or 4 quartiles.

Quartiles: Total distribution = 100% = 4 quartiles, 1 quartile = 25

percentiles = 25% of the distribution.

Deciles: Total distribution = 100% = 10 deciles, 1 decile = 10% of the

distribution.

Percentiles: Total distribution = 100% = 100 percentiles, 1 percentile = 1%

of the distribution.

Dispersion: Range and Interquartile Range, Standard Deviation

Range: Range = highest score lowest score, the range represents the total
spread of scores but is not a good measure if there are outliers. Some data
sets have the same range but are spread differently.
Interquartile Range: Interquartile Range = upper quartile lower quartile,
the lower quartile is the value below which 25% of the population lie. The
upper quartile is the value above which 25% of the population lie. When a
distribution has outliers, the interquartile range is a better measure of spread.
It takes into account the middle 50% of scores and ignores and very high or
very low scores.
Standard deviation: Standard deviation is the most common summary
statistic used to measure spread. Its found by taking the average of the
squared deviations from the mean, and then finding the square root. The
deviation of a score from the mean is the difference between the score and
the mean.

Boxplots
A boxplot or box and whisker plot is a good visual representation of data, with the
box representing the middle 50% of scores and the whiskers extending to the
extremes. In boxplots, if an outlier exists, you may exclude this from the boxplot
and represent it by a point. To draw a boxplot you need to make a five-number
summary:

the lower extreme or smallest score

the upper extreme or largest score

the median

the lower quartile or 25th percentile (Q1)

the upper quartile or 75th percentile (Q3)

Cumulative Frequency Graphs

The cumulative frequency of a score is obtained by adding the frequencies up to
and including that score. A cumulative frequency histogram or polygon plots
scores against cumulative frequency. A cumulative frequency polygon is also
called an ogive.
Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

29.08.08

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Cameron Baird

Maths Preliminary Study Notes

29.08.08