Frequency Histograms and Polygons A histogram is a graph that uses the height of a column to show the frequency of each

score. The scores are always placed on the horizontal axis, and the frequency on the vertical axis. Features of a Histogram Each column must be the same width No gaps are allowed between columns The height of the column depends on the frequency of the score A space equal to half the column width is left between the vertical axis and the first column The label for each score is placed under the centre of its column, on the horizontal axis The frequency of a particular score will be proportional to the area of the rectangle

Frequency Polygon The frequency polygon is another type of graph. This is a line graph obtained by joining the midpoints of the tops of the columns of a histogram. In a frequency polygon: The endpoints are on the horizontal axis half a column width to each end of the histogram. Column heights of zero (i.e. frequency = 0) are still used for graphing the polygon Consider the set of scores below, showing test marks out of a total of 10: 3 9 9 2 6 8 2 5 8 9 7 7 2 6 10 7 7 8 5 4 8 8 7 7 6 4 10 5 8 2 3 7 8 8 5 6 8 3 7 4 6 4 8 5 8

Complete the following frequency distribution table by using the tally column. Test Mark (x) Tally Frequency

Total:

Construct the frequency histogram and polygon on the grid below, labelling all necessary details.

Heading:

2.

Find the range of the scores

3.

Find the mean (as a fraction)

4.

Find the median score

Making a Frequency Distribution Table from a Frequency Histogram/Polygon The scores on the horizontal axis will give the scores to use in the Score column. They do not necessarily start at zero. However, if a score in between the highest and lowest score has a frequency of zero, it is best to record this in the table, even though it has no effect. Example: 1. Complete the frequency distribution table for the histogram below:
Frequency histogram of Test Scores

5 Frequency (f) 4 3 2 1 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 Test scores (x) Frequency (f) 10

Score (x)

fx

2.

Draw and label the frequency polygon on the graph.

3.

Find the range

4.

Find the mean, correct to 1 decimal place.