GCE A Level Maths 9709

SMIYL
April 2023

5.1 Representation of Data

In this topic we will learn how to:

• calculate and use the mean and standard deviation of a set of data, given
coded totals Σ(x−a) and Σ(x−a)2 and use such totals in solving problems
which may involve up to two data sets

Coded Data

When we substract a certain number from each value of x, in the

data set, we get coded totals. This is usually done to simplify the
numbers in the data set. Coding does not change the standard de-
viation or variation of the original data set. It just helps to simplify
the calculations.

Here are some general rules to help in solving questions involving

coding. Where the coded data set is x − a,

x−a=x−a

This means that the mean of the coded data is equal to the mean of
the original data minus the constant a.

σx = σx−a

This means that the standard deviation of the original data is the
same as the standard deviation of the coded data.

σx2 = σx−a
2

This means that the variance of the original data is the same as the
variance of the coded data.

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Note: a represents a constant in the above equations.

Let’s walk through some past paper questions on coding.

1. For n values of the variable x, it is given that

Σ(x − 200) = 446asdf Σx = 6 846

Find the value of n. (9709/52/M/J/22 number 1)

Let’s write out the formula for mean for x values, and the formula
for mean for x − 200 values,
Σx Σ(x − 200)
x= asdf x − 200 =
n n

Use the following rule in the second equation,

x−a=x−a

x − 200 = x − 200

Σ(x − 200)
x − 200 =
n
Σ(x − 200)
x − 200 =
n

Make x the subject of the formula,

Σ(x − 200)
x= + 200
n

Now you’ll notice that we have two equations that we can equate
together,
Σx Σ(x − 200)
x= asdf x = + 200
n n

First let’s substitute in the values of Σx and Σ(x − 200) to make

things clearer,
6 846 446
x= asdf x = + 200
n n

Equate the two equations together,

6 846 446
= + 200
n n

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 Multiply through by n to get rid of the denominator,

6 846 = 446 + 200n

Make n the subject of the formula,

200n = 6 846 − 446

200n = 6 400
n = 32

Therefore, the final answer is,

n = 32

2. For 40 values of the variable x, it is given that Σ(x − c)2 = 3 099.2,

where c is a constant. The standard deviation of these values is 3.2.
(9709/62/F/M/19 number 2)
(a) Find the value of Σ(x − c).

Let’s write out all the information we have been given,

n = 40asdf Σ(x − c)2 = 3 099.2asdf σx = 3.2

To find Σ(x − c) we have to first find x − c. To do that we

will use the idea that,

σx = σx−c

Therefore,
σx−c = 3.2

Let’s use the formula for standard deviation of x − c,

r
Σ(x − c)2
σx−c = − (x − c)2
n

Square both sides, to get rid of the square root sign,

2 Σ(x − c)2
σx−c = − (x − c)2
n

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 Make x − c the subject of the formula,
Σ(x − c)2
(x − c)2 = 2
− σx−c
n
r
Σ(x − c)2 2
x−c= − σx−c
n

Substitute into the formula,

r
3 099.2
x−c= − (3.2)2
40
x − c = 8.2

Now that we have x − c, let’s find Σ(x − c),

Σ(x − c)
x−c=
n

Make Σ(x − c) the subject of the formula,

Σ(x − c) = n (x − c)

Substitute into the formula,

Σ(x − c) = 40 (8.2)
Σ(x − c) = 328

Therefore, the final answer is,

Σ(x − c) = 328

(b) Given that c = 50, find the mean of these values of x.

To find the mean, we will use the idea that,

(x − c) = x − c

Make x the subject of the formula,

x = (x − c) + c

Substitute into the formula,

x = 8.2 + 50
x = 58.2

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 Therefore, the final answer is,

x = 58.2

3. A summary of 40 values of x gives the following information:

Σ(x − k) = 520, asdf Σ(x − k)2 = 960

where k is constant. (9709/51/O/N/21 number 2)

(a) Given that the mean of these 40 values of x is 34, find the value of k.

Let’s write out all the information we have been given,

n = 40asdf Σ(x − k) = 520asdf Σ(x − k)2 = 960asdf x = 34

Let’s use the formula for x − k to evaluate k,

Σ(x − k)
x−k =
n

Use the idea that,

x−k =x−k

Σ(x − k)
x−k =
n
Σ(x − k)
x−k =
n

Make k the subject of the formula,

Σ(x − k)
k =x−
n

Substitute into the formula,

520
k = 34 −
40
k = 21

Therefore, the final answer is,

k = 21

(b) Find the variance of these 40 values of x.

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Let’s start by finding the variance of x − k,

2 Σ(x − k)2
σx−k = − (x − k)2
n

We have all the values apart from x − k, so let’s evaluate

x − k,
x−k =x−k
x − k = 34 − 21
x − k = 13

Now let’s substitute into the formula,

2 Σ(x − k)2
σx−k = − (x − k)2
n

2 9 640
σx−k = − (13)2
40
2
σx−k = 72

To get the variance of the 40 values of x we will use the idea

that,
σx2 = σx−k
2

Therefore, the final answer is,

σx2 = 72