Foundation – Statistics and Probability

Averages Pie Charts Probability

mode/modal – most common value or To calculate the angle needed, we divide Probability is about estimating how likely
values (modal class). 360˚ by the total frequency. This tells us the something is to happen. We use fractions, decimals
median – the middle number when they number of degrees needed for 1 person. We and percentages to describe probability. Only
are in ascending order. can then multiply this by the frequencies to occasionally do we use words (for example, likely,
mean – add the numbers up and divide find the angles. impossible, certain) and we never use ratios!
by how many there are.
E.g. 10 people were asked their favourite Probability of an outcome =
range – the difference between the largest
colour. number of ways the outcome can happen
and smallest value. total possible outcomes
Favourite Colour Frequency Degrees The probability of rolling a 5 on a fair dice is 1
6
Important Terms Red 3 3 × 36 = 108˚

frequency – the number of elements in a Yellow 5 5 × 36 = 180˚

Scatter Graphs
group. Blue 2 2 × 36 = 72˚ Easy to spot as the coordinates are scattered.
quantitative data – information about Always draw a straight line of best fit (which
numbers, e.g. ages or heights (quantities). 360 ÷ 10 = 36 follows the trend of the data) when you see this
qualitative data – information about type of graph. The line of best fit can be used to
everything else, e.g. eye colour or make estimates.
favourite food. Tree Diagrams
These can have positive correlation when the
random sampling – every piece of data A fair coin is flipped and a fair dice is line slopes upwards or negative correlation
has the same chance of being chosen. rolled. The tree diagram below can be when the line slopes downwards.
used to represent some outcomes and their
If you cannot draw a line of best fit, there is no
probabilities. 1
Sample Space 6 6 correlation.
A fair coin is flipped and a fair dice is Head
1
2
rolled. The sample space diagram below 5
1 to 5
6 Mean from a Frequency Table
can be used to represent the outcomes.
1 Σfx where f is the frequency and x is the data
6 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
Tail 1 Σf (e.g. time, number of pets).
2
H H, 1 H, 2 H, 3 H, 4 H, 5 H, 6 Remember, with continuous data you need to
1 to 5 5
T T, 1 T, 2 T, 3 T, 4 T, 5 T, 6 6 find the midpoint first.