MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

MATHEMATICS

QQI Level 4 (4N1987)

Assignment 4 – DATA HANDLING

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATES

1. Enter your name below.

2. Complete the questions in the space provided.
3. Extra space is available at the back of this document if required.
4. Use of a scientific calculator is allowed.
5. Formulae are provided separately.
6. Include units in your answers, where applicable.
7. Show all working out.
8. Answers must be written correct to 2 decimal places.
9. Include all rough work at the end of your portfolio.

Name: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________

Copyright © 2018 Educoot Janna Tiearney.

All rights reserved.

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

ASSESSMENT BRIEF 4
Component title: Mathematics
Component code: 4N1987
Assessment technique: Assignment
Assessment title: Data Handling
Assessment number: 4
Weighting: 20%

Guidelines:

You will be expected to:

1. Explain basic statistical concepts to include population, sample, dependent,
independent and discrete variables
2. Present information from data collected from the world wide web or other
methods, in graphical and tabular form, including bar charts, pie charts, trend
graphs, cumulative frequency curves, histograms and frequency tables
3. Calculate the statistics for measuring averages and dispersion of an array of
data, to include calculating the mean, mode, and median
4. Discuss findings, to include interpretation of results, and suggesting reasons for
finding

Assessment criteria:

In completing your assignment, you must do the following:

▪ make at least three calculations for each of the following – mean, median, mode
and weighted average of given data
▪ tabulate at least three examples of given data
▪ present at least three sets of data in a range of graphical forms
▪ use a calculator correctly in scientific mode
▪ round decimals as appropriate
▪ correctly substitute formulae as required
▪ obtain an accurate answer
▪ adhere to mathematical precedence rules
▪ correctly apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations
▪ use terminology correctly
▪ use mathematical symbols and letters correctly
▪ set out work in a format demonstrating a logical progression of thought
▪ present and lay out work clearly

Your assignment will be assessed in the following way:

Statistical concepts – 20 marks
Calculating statistics – 20 marks
Presenting information – 20 marks
Interpreting data - 20 marks

TOTAL: 80 marks ÷ 4 = 20 marks

Marks will be deducted from the total for each question on the assignment, for
example, for:
▪ Incorrect/illogical layout
▪ Omitting units of measurement in final answers
▪ Answers not correct to 2 decimal places, where applicable
▪ More than 2 attempts
▪ Blunders - mathematical errors/omissions

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

▪ Slips - numerical errors

▪ Misreadings

Marks may be deducted for late submission.

Note: Discussions may be recorded.

There may be questions on the assignment which do not carry marks but will assist
you with examination preparation. It is in your best interests to complete these.

Date brief was issued: ___________________

Submission date: ___________________

I confirm that this is my original work.

Signed: ___________________

Date: ___________________

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MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

STATISTICAL CONCEPTS

Discrete Data
Discrete Data can only take certain values. Example: the number of students in a
class – there can’t be half a student! Another example: The results of rolling 2 dice
can only have the values 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Continuous Data
Continuous Data can take any value (within a range) Example: A person's height
could be any value (within the range of human heights!). Another example: The time
in a race could even be measured to fractions of a second.

1. For each of these types of data, state whether the data is discrete or continuous:

a) The number of students in the café - ______________________________

discrete
b) The number of tickets sold at a concert - ___________________________
discrete
c) The time taken to get from home to the shops - ________________________
continuous
d) The time taken for athletes to complete a race - ______________________
continuous
e) The number of chocolates in various 500g boxes - ____________________
discrete
Numerical data
These data have meaning as a measurement, examples: a person’s height, weight,
IQ, blood pressure; or they’re a count, such as the number of pets a person owns,
how many teeth a dog has, or how many pages you can read of your book every day.
(Statisticians also call numerical data quantitative data.) Numerical data can be
further broken into two types: discrete and continuous.

Categorical data
Categorical data represent characteristics such as a person’s gender, marital
status, hometown, or the types of movies they enjoy. Categorical data can take on
numerical values (such as “1” indicating male and “2” indicating female), but those
numbers don’t have mathematical meaning. You couldn’t add them together, for
example. (Other names for categorical data are qualitative data, or Yes/No data.)

2. For each of these types of data, state whether the data is categorical or numeric

a) Travel methods to class -

__________________________
categorical
b) Heights of students -
________________________________
numerical
c) Favourite type of music -
_____________________________
categorical
d) Time taken to complete a quiz -
_______________________
numerical
e) Number of adults in a household -
_____________________
numerical
(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

3. Read the table:

BASIS FOR COMPARISON PRIMARY DATA SECONDARY DATA

Meaning Primary data refers to the Secondary data means
first-hand data gathered data collected by
by the researcher someone else earlier.
(himself/herself).
Data Real time data Past data
Process Very involved Quick and easy
Source Surveys, observations, Government
experiments, publications, websites,
questionnaire, personal books, journal articles,
interview, etc. internal records etc.
Cost effectiveness Expensive Economical
Collection time Long Short
Specific Always specific to the May or may not be
researcher's needs. specific to the
researcher's need.
Available in Crude form Refined form
Accuracy and Reliability More Relatively less

4. What is primary data? Give one example of how it may be obtained:

____________________________________________________________
First-hand data gathered by the researcher
____________________________________________________________
Real-time data
Specific
____________________________________________________________
to the researcher’s needs
Often in crude form
____________________________________________________________
Examples: surveys, observations, experiments,
____________________________________________________________
questionnaire, personal interview, etc.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

5. What is secondary data? Give an example of where is may be obtained:

____________________________________________________________
Data collected by someone else earlier
____________________________________________________________
Past data
May or may not be specific to the researcher's need
____________________________________________________________
Refined form
____________________________________________________________
Examples: government publications, websites, books,
____________________________________________________________
journal articles, internal records etc
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

Dependent and independent variables

An independent variable is a variable that is being manipulated in an experiment in

order to observe the effect on a dependent variable.

Imagine that a teacher asks 100 students to complete a maths test. The teacher
wants to know why some students perform better than others. Whilst the teacher
does not know the answer to this, the teacher thinks that it might be because of two
reasons: (1) some students spend more time revising for their test; and (2) some
students are naturally more intelligent than others. As such, the teacher decides to
investigate the effect of revision time and intelligence on the test performance of the
100 students.

The dependent and independent variables for the study are:

▪ Dependent Variable: Test Mark (measured from 0 to 100)
▪ Independent Variables: Revision time (measured in hours) Intelligence (measured
using IQ score)

The dependent variable is a variable that is dependent on an independent

variable(s).

Example: In the case above, the test mark that a student achieves is dependent on
revision time and intelligence. Whilst revision time and intelligence (the independent
variables) may (or may not) cause a change in the test mark (the dependent
variable), the reverse is implausible; in other words, whilst the number of hours a
student spends revising and the higher a student's IQ score may (or may not) change
the test mark that a student achieves, a change in a student's test mark has no
bearing on whether a student revises more or is more intelligent (this simply doesn't
make sense)!!!

Therefore, the aim of the teacher’s investigation is to examine whether these

independent variables - revision time and IQ - result in a change in the dependent
variable, the students' test scores.

6. Give an example of dependent and independent variables in a particular survey.

Phenomenon: climate change

Examples of variables related to climate change:
______________________________________________________________
sea level
temperature
______________________________________________________________
the amount of carbon emission
the amount of rainfall
______________________________________________________________
In this example: temperature (independent variable) may
______________________________________________________________
influence sea level (dependent variable). Increased
temperature will cause expansion of water in the sea. Thus,
______________________________________________________________
sea level rise on a global scale may occur.
______________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

7. Describe the word ‘population’ in statistics:

______________________________________________________________
In statistics, the term population is used to describe the subjects of a particular
study—everything or everyone who is the subject of a statistical observation.
______________________________________________________________
Populations can be large or small in size and defined by any number of
______________________________________________________________
characteristics, though these groups are typically defined specifically rather than
vaguely, e.g., a population of students over 18 who drink coffee rather than a
______________________________________________________________
population of students over 18.
______________________________________________________________
Statistical populations are used to observe behaviours, trends, and patterns in the
______________________________________________________________
way individuals in a defined group interact with the world around them, allowing
______________________________________________________________
statisticians to draw conclusions about the characteristics of the subjects of
study, although these subjects are most often humans, animals, and plants, and
______________________________________________________________
even objects.
______________________________________________________________

8. What is a sample in statistics?

______________________________________________________________
In statistics, you’ll be working with samples. A sample is just a part of a population.
For example, if you want to find out how much the average person in Ireland
______________________________________________________________
earns, you aren’t going to want to survey everyone in the population (millions of
______________________________________________________________
people!), so you would choose a small number of people in the population. For
example, you might select 10,000 people.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

9. How is sample size important?

______________________________________________________________
Sample size is a count of the of individual samples or observations in any
statistical setting, such as a scientific experiment or a public opinion survey.
______________________________________________________________
Choice of sample size is a critical determination for a project. Too small a sample
______________________________________________________________
yields unreliable results, while an overly large sample demands a good deal of
time and resources.
______________________________________________________________
Sample size measures the number of individual samples measured or
______________________________________________________________
observations used in a survey or experiment. For example, if you test 100 samples
of water for evidence of bacteria, your sample size is 100. If an online survey
______________________________________________________________
returned 30,900 completed questionnaires, your sample size is 30,900. In
______________________________________________________________
statistics, sample size is generally represented by the variable "n".
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

(3 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

CARRYING OUT A SURVEY

1. Why should we do statistics? Give some real-life examples of how we can use
surveys as tools.
The purpose of official statistics is to assist state departments, businesses, other
______________________________________________________________
organisations or the public in—
(a) planning;
______________________________________________________________
(b) decision-making or other actions;
______________________________________________________________
(c) monitoring or assessment of policies, decision-making or other actions.
______________________________________________________________
Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing and making inference from data. It
______________________________________________________________
is a particularly useful branch of mathematics that is not only studied theoretically
by advanced mathematicians but one that is used by researchers in many fields
______________________________________________________________
to organize, analyse, and summarise data. Statistical methods and analyses are
______________________________________________________________
often used to communicate research findings and to support hypotheses and
give credibility to research methodology and conclusions. It is important for
______________________________________________________________
researchers and also consumers of research to understand statistics so that they
______________________________________________________________
can be informed, evaluate the credibility and usefulness of information, and make
appropriate decisions.

The first part of the planning process is to identify the objectives of your survey or
what you want to find out.

2. As a group, talk about these survey topics. Tick those you think are good topics.
(Remember, you would have to break your survey up into questions!)
Student’s Answers
 How do you use the Internet?

 What do you do to protect the environment?

 What is great about Ireland?

 Which newspaper is the best?

 What superstitions do you have?

 What pets do you have at home?

 What is the best TV channel?

 What is your favourite place in your home?

 Can mobile phones be educational?

 What is your favourite day of the year?

 Are restaurants serving healthy food?

 How many people use public transport?

(Practice)
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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

3. As a group, brainstorm what survey you can carry out. Write a few ideas below:
Student’s answers
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

4. What topic did the group decide on? Student’s answers

______________________________________________________________

5. What are the group’s objectives? Student’s answers

______________________________________________________________

6. Decide on the methods you will use to obtain the information. Write some
possibilities below:
Interviews – by telephone or in person
______________________________________________________________
Questionnaires and surveys – paper-based and online
Observations
______________________________________________________________
Focus Groups
______________________________________________________________
Case Studies
Documents and Records, e.g. databases, meeting minutes, reports, attendance
______________________________________________________________
logs, financial records, newsletters, etc.
7. Design your survey. Include a rough draft with your portfolio.

Key things to consider when designing a survey:

▪ Keep it as short as possible; it should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
▪ Use plain, simple language and avoid jargon.
▪ Use a mixture of open and closed questions.
▪ Use clear headings and numbers to structure your survey.
▪ Make sure to use an easy to read font such as Arial and at least font size 12.
▪ Make sure that the survey will fulfil your objective/s!

8. Type up your survey method, e.g. questionnaire.

(Practice)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

Keep a record of how many people you have approached to take part, as this will
help you to calculate your overall response rate. Try to get a spread across roles,
length of experience, age and gender, if possible. It is important that you keep your
sampling technique consistent and open; not just picking those who you would
prefer to include.

9. Comment on population, sample and sample size Student’s answers

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

10. Decide how long you have to carry out the work and set a time frame for the
design, distribution and analysis of results.

Date to be completed by Task to be completed

Student’s answers

11. Carry out your survey. Each student can take a few copies to hand out to family
and friends to fill them in, if it is a questionnaire. You could also send an online link
or send them by email. Student’s answers

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

Analysing findings means looking at the information you have gathered (data)
and drawing conclusions (what you have found out). This can involve creating graphs
and percentages. Depending on the number of responses to your surveys you
can use different methods of analysis; If using a small number of respondents i.e. no
more than 15, you could use paper to collate results. If you have between 15- 30
people, it is easy to input information into a spreadsheet. You can also use the online
survey tool Survey Monkey.

12. Collate the data. Write some rough notes below: Student’s answers
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

(3 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

13. Analyse the data and your findings. Write your findings below.
Student’s answers
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
(3 marks)

Once your survey has been completed and you have analysed your results it is
important to present and publicise the findings. This can be done in a number of
ways:
▪ A summary sheet highlighting the main findings
▪ A brief report
▪ Information session with group members and tutor / teacher
▪ A presentation

14. Present your results.

(3 marks)

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MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

MEAN

1. Read the information:

The mean of a set of data is the average.

Add up all of the data.
Divide the sum by the number of data items you have.

Example: Find the mean: 4, 16, 20, 40

First, add. 4 + 16 + 20 + 40 = 80
There are 4 items. Divide the sum (80) by 4.
The mean is 20.

average
a) Give another term for the word mean. ________________________
b) Susie scored 98, 25, 105, 62 and 65 in 5 tests. What was the mean score per test?
71
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

c) Jack earns €100 on the first day, €60 on the second day, €150 on the third day,
€80 on the fourth day and €90 on the fifth day. Calculate the means of his
earnings. €96

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

d) Four students took varying times as follows to fill in a form:

25 seconds, 1 minute, 57 seconds and 1 min 15 seconds. Calculate the mean of
these times (to the nearest second). 54.25 seconds

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

e) The temperatures we had on holiday in Spain during a week were 35° C, 36°C,
34°C, 38°C, 40°C, 39°C and 44°C. What was the average daily temperature of the
place for the week? 38°C

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

MEDIAN

1. Read the information:

The median is the data point that is in the middle when the data is listed in order.
If there are two numbers in the middle (an even number of items), then find the mean
of the two middle numbers.

Examples:
Find the median: 13, 16, 17, 19, 25
17 is the median.

Find the median: 3, 5, 6, 9

Here, the 5 and 6 are both in the middle. 5 + 6 = 11. 11 divided by 2 = 5.5.
The median is 5.5.

a) Find the median of 23, 27, 16, 31. 25

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

b) Find the median of 7, -4, 9, -7, -2, 5. 1.5

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

c) Find the median of 2, 10, 5, 6, 10, 4, 4, 2, 8, 12, 6, 4, 2. 5

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

d) Find the median of 54, 45, 44, 55, 45, 54, 44, 55, 54. 54

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

e) Find the median of 12, 8, 10, 5, 12, 9, 6, 1, 12. 9

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

f) Find the median of 3.5, 3.1, 3.1, 3.3, 3.6, 3.1, 3.4, 3.2. 3.25

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

MODE

1. Read the information.

The mode is the data item that appears the most. If all data items appear the same
number of times, then there is no mode.

Example:
Find the mode.
5, 4, 6, 11, 5, 7, 10, 5
The mode is 5.
a) 8, 11, 9, 14, 9, 15, 18, 6, 9, 10 9

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

b) 7, 13, 18, 24, 9, 3, 18 18

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

c) In a crash test, 11 cars were tested to determine what impact speed was
required to obtain minimal bumper damage. Find the mode of the speeds given in
kilometres per hour below.
24, 15, 18, 20, 18, 22, 24, 26, 18, 26, 24 The modes are 18 and 24 kilometres per
hour.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

d) A marathon race was completed by 5 participants. What is the mode of these

times given in hours?
2.7 hr, 8.3 hr, 3.5 hr, 5.1 hr, 4.9 hr There is no mode.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

e) On a cold winter day in January, the temperature for 9 North American cities is
recorded in Celsius. What is the mode of these temperatures?
-8, 0, -3, 4, 12, 0, 5, -1, 0 The mode of these temperatures is 0.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

MEAN, MEDIAN AND MODE

1. The amounts of money spent by 9 tables at a restaurant were as follows:

€30, €45, €42, €35, €86, €86, €48, €51, €36

Calculate the mean, median and mode for this data.

Mean - 51 Median is 45 Mode - 86

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. This is how many kilometres the students ran to practise for the marathon.

25, 93, 97, 72, 14, 44, 21, 39, 98, 27

Calculate the mean, median and mode for this data. Mean - 53, Median - 41.5, Mode

- None

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

The formula for working out weighted average is:

∑ 𝑤𝑥
𝑥̅𝑤 =
∑𝑤

∑ - is the Greek capital letter sigma, which means ‘the sum of’

𝑥̅𝑤 - is short for ‘weighted mean’

x is the value of each measurement

w is the weight attached to each measurement

1. A class of 25 students took a maths test. 10 students had an average (arithmetic

mean) score of 80. The other students had an average score of 60. What is the
average score of the whole class?

______________________________________________________________
80 × 10 + 60 × 15 = 800 + 900 = 1700
Total number of terms = Total number of students = 25
______________________________________________________________
Using the formula
______________________________________________________________
Weighted average = (Sum of weighted terms) ÷ (Total number of terms)
______________________________________________________________
= 1700 / 25
______________________________________________________________
= 68
The average score of the whole class is 68.
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

A BAR GRAPH

1. Read the information:

A bar graph uses vertical or horizontal bars to display numerical information.

Bar graphs can be used to compare amounts.

Choose an appropriate scale (with regular intervals).

The bars should have the same width.

2. Look at the following bar graph and answer the questions:

THE MUSIC CLUB

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Rap Rock Disco Metal Reggae Punk Music votes

metal
a) Name the most popular music in the pub.____________________

reggae
b) Which type of music got 7 votes? ___________________________

c) Name the least popular type of music. _______________________

punk

51
d) Name the number of members in the club. ___________________

(1 mark)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

PIE GRAPH
1. Read the information:

A pie graph is a graph of data that is presented in a circle, where the entire circle
represents the whole (100%).
Each wedge represents a part of the whole.
60 people use the hot drinks machine at work. Look at the pie graph and answer the

questions.

HOT DRINKS

144o Coffee
174o
Milk

Tea
42o

a) How many bought tea?

24
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

b) How many bought coffee?

29
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

c) How many bought milk?

7
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(3 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

TREND GRAPH

Trend charts are also known as run charts and are used to show trends in data over
time.

1. The number of bird species spotted at a reserve is as follows. Look at the graph

and answer the questions.

BIRDWATCHING
70

60

50

40

30

20

10
No of birds
0
Jan Feb March April May June

40 species
a) How many bird species were spotted in May?______________
May, June
b) In which months were 50 or more species spotted? _______________

January
c) In which month were the least number of species spotted? _________

d) What is the difference in the number of species spotted between the 1st and last
50 species
month recorded? ___________________________________

(1 mark)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

HISTOGRAM

A histogram is a bar graph that shows the frequency of each item. Histograms
combine data into equal-sized intervals.
There are no spaces between the bars on the histogram.

The histogram below shows the level of cholesterol (in mg per dl) of 200 people.

1. Look at the graph below:

RELATIVE FREQUENCY

CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

2. Answer the questions:

a) How many people have a level of cholesterol between 205 and 210 mg per dl?

0.2 x 200 = 40 people

b) How many people have a level of cholesterol less than 205 mg per dl?

(0.05 + 0.1) x 200 = 30 people

c) What percentage of people have a level of cholesterol more than 215 mg per dl?

(0.25 + 0.05) = 0.3 = 30%

d) How many people have a level of cholesterol between 205 and 220 mg per dl?

(0.2 + 0.35 + 0.25) x 200 = 160 people

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

OTHER GRAPHS

1. The following chart shows the temperature in degrees Celsius in four cities at

noon on one day.

Dublin

London

Athens

Paris

Temperatures
0 10 20 30
Degrees oC

Athens
a) Which city had the highest temperature? _____________________

b) What is the difference in temperature between the hottest and coolest cities?
About 23oC
_________________________________

c) Find the mean temperature of the four cities at noon on that day.
16.25oC, or close to this answer
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

d) Write one fact from the table below.

Temperatures on 23rd March at 22.30

Lisbon Athens Moscow Oslo Cork Zurich
11oC 16 oC 5 oC -2 oC 9 oC 5 oC

Example: Athens was 18oC higher than Oslo.

______________________________________________________________
(1 mark)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

2. Choose one or more aspects of each graph below and write possible findings

that can be deduced from these results.

Number of People at the Shopping Centre

12 10

Restaurant
14
Clothing shop
Chemist
18
Supermarket
Phone shop
Hairdresser
10
Gift shop
5
Game shop
5
20

Student’s answer
______________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(1 mark)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

3. In one lake, a number of fish were caught from Monday to Thursday. Look at the

results below and write a summary.

NUMBER OF FISH
45

40

35
NUMBER OF FISH

30

25

20

15

10

0
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Student’s answer
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

(1 mark)

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MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

DRAWING YOUR OWN GRAPHS

1. Look at the average temperatures of a six-month period in Ireland. Carry out

research, e.g. online at Met Éireann. Fill in the results in the table below.
Which months and year did you choose? _______________________

Month 1 2 3 4 5 6

Temperature

2. Construct a trend graph for this data. Student’s answers

(3 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

3. Research the average amount of water used daily in a household. You can
compare different countries, different cities or even different students! Use at
least five sets of data. You can do a quick survey in class, search online or use
any other means of collecting the data and finding the information.
(You can use a water calculator online to see how much water you use)
Fill in the table below:

Litres of
Water
(1000’s)

Student’s answers
4. Construct a bar graph for this data.

(3 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

5. Find the Top 5 of a product in Ireland, e.g. Top selling cars, Top selling chocolates,

Top selling mobile phones, etc. You choose!

6. Carry out your research, e.g. questionnaire, survey, online research, interviews,

etc.

7. Write your findings below in rough:

______________________________________________________________
Student’s answer
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Product Data %
1st
2nd Student’s answers
3rd
4th
5th

8. Construct a pie graph to represent this data. You must use a key.
Student’s answer

(4 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

FREQUENCY TABLE

1. Read the information:

In a survey, people usually collect lots of data, also known as raw data. Raw data

can be arranged in a frequency table.

A frequency table shows the number of times each value occurs. The mode is the

data with the highest frequency.

Example: Construct the frequency table for the following.

4, 3, 6, 5, 2, 4, 3, 3, 6, 4, 2, 3, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 4, 2, 3, 4

X 2 3 4 5 6
Y 5 7 6 2 3

2. Construct the frequency table for the following.

6, 7, 5, 4, 5, 6, 6, 8, 7, 9, 6, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 4, 6, 7, 6, 5

X 4 5 6 7 8
f 2 4 7 5 2

The pulse rate (per minute) of 25 persons were recorded as

follows:

61, 75, 71, 72, 70, 65, 77, 72, 67, 80, 77, 62, 71, 74, 79, 67, 80,

77, 62, 71, 74, 61, 70, 80, 72, 59, 78, 71, 72.

3. Construct a frequency table expressing the data in the

inclusive form taking the class interval 61-65 of equal width.

C.I. 56 - 60 61 - 65 66 - 70 71 - 75 76 - 80
Frequency 1 4 4 10 6

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

4. A maths teacher wants to organise the test marks of the class. The students
earned the following marks:
88, 86, 92, 65, 72, 75, 81, 84, 85, 93, 99, 50, 78, 80, 86, 76, 74, 95, 81, 87,
90, 72, 76, 61, 85, 84, 78, 83

Grades are determined by percent where 0-59% is an F, 60-69% is a D, 70-79% is a

C, 80-89% is a B, and 90-100% is an A. These values make the most logical intervals.
Intervals are always chosen depending on the range of the data. Make a frequency
table to illustrate the information.

Frequency Tables of Marks

Interval Tally Frequency

90 - 100 XXXXX 5

80 - 89 XXXXXXXXXXXX 12

70 - 79 XXXXXXXX 8

60 - 69 XX 2

0 - 59 X 1

5. How many cups of tea do you drink every day? Carry out
research to discover how many cups of tea the average person
drinks per day. Make your sample size 20. (For people who drink
more than 4 cups, use 4+)

Fill in your frequency table below:

Number of cups of tea each person drinks

Student’s answer

Represent the information on a frequency table.

Number of cups (x) Tally Frequency (f)

Student’s answers

(3 marks)
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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

CUMULATIVE FREQUENCY CURVES

1. Research online and watch some videos on how to draw a cumulative frequency
curve.
2. Draw a cumulative frequency graph for the frequency table below.

Length (x mm) Frequency

11 – 15 2
16 – 20 4
21 – 25 8
25 – 30 14
31 – 35 6
36 – 40 4
41 – 45 2

We need to add a class with 0 frequency before the first class and then find the
upper boundary for each class interval.

Length Frequency Upper Class Length Cumulative

Boundary
(x mm) (x mm) Frequency
6 – 10 0 10.5 x ≤ 10.5 0
11 – 15 2 15.5 x ≤ 15.5 2
16 – 20 4 20.5 x ≤ 20.5 6
21 – 25 8 25.5 x ≤ 25.5 14
25 – 30 14 30.5 x ≤ 30.5 28
31 – 35 6 35.5 x ≤ 35.5 34
36 – 40 4 40.5 x ≤ 40.5 38
41 – 45 2 45.5 x ≤ 45.5 40

3. Plot the cumulative frequency against the upper class boundary of each interval
and join the points with a smooth curve. (over the page)

This is what a cumulative frequency graph

looks like! 

(3 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

Should look similar to this:

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

HISTOGRAM

1. The waiting times, h hours, for 40 patients in Accident & Emergency in one day is

shown below. Draw a histogram for this data.

Waiting time, h Frequency

0 < h ≤ 0.5 8
0.5 < h ≤ 1 10
1 < h ≤ 1.5 7
1.5 < h ≤ 3 9
3<h≤5 6

Should look similar to below:

(2 marks)

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MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

1. Hold a discussion about statistics.

Look at statistics online and discuss the data, your findings and possible reasons for
your findings. Do this as a discussion and explore the possibilities.
Student discussion
Examples of statistics you could look at: (See the Central Statistics Office –
www.cso.ie)

▪ Populations in different towns / counties in Ireland

▪ Tourism in Ireland
▪ The wellbeing of the nation
▪ Earnings per week, etc.
▪ Choose statistics that the group is interested in

Also talk about:

▪ The purpose of statistics
▪ The misuses of statistics
▪ The idea of samples (sample size, simple random sample) in relation to
population
▪ Different ways that information can be presented – (graphically, in tables) and
the uses of representing data graphically
▪ The effectiveness of different graphical displays

Your discussion will be

recorded!

(3 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

2. A survey was carried out about which day

most people like to go to a business lunch. This

graph shows the results:

60

50

40

30

20

10

3. Write three findings.

______________________________________________________________
Example: These findings represent the most popular day for going out to a
business lunch. The findings show that Wednesday is the most popular day with
______________________________________________________________
a total of about 58. The reason for this could possibly be that this is mid-week,
and people want to get out of work for a while! The least popular day is Sunday,
______________________________________________________________
with a total of about 25. This is probably because most people do not conduct
business on a Sunday. Monday has a total of about 45. Often people are getting
______________________________________________________________
back to work after the weekend, and they may be too busy to go out for lunch.

4. Look at this graph and give it a suitable title:

GRAPH TITLE: _________________________
Example: Employment Statistics

(4 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

5. Look at the findings of this survey and write a short piece about what sports

students should have access to in their centre. Include the possible reasons for

the results below.

MOST POPULAR FORM OF EXERCISE

58

34
22 21 18
8 9

Walking Running Gym Weightlifting Swimming Dancing Football

Example:
______________________________________________________________

A survey was carried out in an educational centre to find out the most popular
______________________________________________________________
form of exercise. The findings showed that the three most popular forms of
exercise were walking, gym and weightlifting. Swimming was a close fourth.
______________________________________________________________
Students in the centre will greatly benefit from being physically fit, and this will
assist them, not only with their learning, but also with their health and overall well-
______________________________________________________________
being. Walking is likely to be one of the most popular forms of exercise, as it is
considered to be less strenuous, especially for beginners, and it can also be a
______________________________________________________________
social activity. The gym is also popular, and weightlifting can be done in the gym.
Many people like going to the gym, as it is an environment suited to getting fit, and
______________________________________________________________
giving motivation (all those mirrors!) and it is a form of exercise that is not
dependent on the weather. The gym also provides the opportunity to take part in
______________________________________________________________
different activities, work on different muscles and exercise at one’s own pace.
Students here in the centre should have access to great walking paths around
______________________________________________________________
the centre. There are already paths, but there should be information signs, a
clear-up of the paths, a safety check on all the paths, and benches where walkers
______________________________________________________________
can rest. A fully-equipped gym will be of great use to the students and will be a
great feature for the centre. Having walking paths and a gym will give students
______________________________________________________________
the chance to get fit or keep fit, in a safe and convenient environment. These
could also be social activities and will give the centre the friendly and helpful
______________________________________________________________
atmosphere that we strive to achieve.
______________________________________________________________
(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

6. Look at the data from Met Eireann. Write some conclusions about the weather in

June 2017 in Dublin.

Temperature by Meteorological Weather Station, Statistical indicator

and Month
2017M06
Dublin airport
Average Maximum Temperature (Degrees C) 18.7
Average Minimum Temperature (Degrees C) 10.7
Mean Temperature (Degrees C) 14.7
Highest Temperature (Degrees C) 26.3
Lowest Temperature (Degrees C) 3.7

Source: Met Eireann

______________________________________________________________
Example:
______________________________________________________________
These are results of temperatures in Dublin in June 2017. The weather was
variable. The highest temperature in this month was 26.3 oC and the lowest
______________________________________________________________
temperature was 3.7oC. There is a big different in these two temperatures! The
average maximum temperature was 18.7oC and the average minimum
______________________________________________________________
temperature was 10.7oC. The mean temperature was 14.7oC.
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

7. The table below shows the number of pets owned by 40 families.

Number of Pets Frequency

0 13

1 14

2 8

3 3

4 2

Calculate an estimate of the mean number of pets. Give your answer to one
decimal place and write what the frequency table means. Also, give possible
reasons for the findings.

______________________________________________________________
Example:
______________________________________________________________
1.2 pets is the mean number
The number of people who have 0 pets is 13.
______________________________________________________________
The number of people with 1 pet is 14.
The number of people with 2 pets is 8.
______________________________________________________________
The number of people with 3 pets is 3.
The number of people with 4 pets is 2.
______________________________________________________________
Possible reasons for the findings: There is a quite a high number of people who
______________________________________________________________
have no pets. This could be because many people work, and they have no time to
take care of pets. Pets need a lot of care, such as feeding, grooming, walking and
______________________________________________________________
lots of love! Cost could also be a factor because feeding pets can be expensive,
never mind the vet bills and vaccinations. There are also people who do not like
______________________________________________________________
pets.
The number of people with one pet is just above those people that have none. For
______________________________________________________________
many people, one pet is enough and is more manageable. The higher the number
of pets, the less the number of people who have this many, for example, only two
______________________________________________________________
people have four pets.
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

8. Look at the diagram below. You have been told that your blood pressure is

145/92. Describe the diagram and its different categories. Explain if your blood

pressure is healthy or not. If not, suggest possible causes.

______________________________________________________________
Example: High blood pressure would be a systolic over 140 and a diastolic over
90. Pre-high blood pressure would be a systolic over 120 and a diastolic over 80.
______________________________________________________________
The ideal blood pressure would be a systolic of between 90 and 120 and a
diastolic between 60 and 80. Low blood pressure would be a systolic of 70 to 90
______________________________________________________________
and a diastolic between 40 and 60. My blood pressure of 145/92 falls in the high
blood pressure range. Causes of this could be my unhealthy diet and a lack of
______________________________________________________________
exercise. I think I will take my doctor’s advice!
______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________
(2 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

9. Carry out some research about

something you want to know about.

a) Determine your objective, what do you want to find out?

b) Design your survey.
c) Carry out the research, if applicable, finding reliable sources online and / or in the
library. Make notes.
d) Carry out a survey, using all the steps as you did before.
e) Analyse the data. Describe your findings and possible reasons for the findings.
f) Present your findings and the results of your survey, using a method of your
choice. Student’s answers

OBJECTIVE

DESIGN

RESEARCH (IF APPLICABLE)

CARRY OUT

ANALYSE

PRESENT

You can use the questions over the page to give you a head start!

(5 marks)

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

10. You can make rough notes here if you wish:

Student’s answers

Include rough notes at the back

of your portfolio!

QUESTIONS ANSWERS /NOTES

Objectives: What do you want your

survey to find out?

Who do you want to respond? Do you

have email addresses? Do you have
people who can take part in the survey?

How are you going to distribute your

survey? E.g. email, online survey tool,
interview, questionnaire, etc.

What questions are you going to ask?

What will your sample size be?

How will you analyse the data?

Consider what way you are
going to use to make sense of the
information you gather i.e. excel, survey
monkey, on paper, etc.
How will you present the findings?

What is your time frame? Consider the

time and help you have when thinking
about the tools you are going to use.
Factor in piloting the survey i.e. testing
the questions out.

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 MATHS 4, Assignment 4: Data handling

MARKING SHEET
Level 4 Mathematics, 4N1987
Assignment 4 – Data Handling
Student’s name:

Max mark Learner’s ÷4

mark
Statistical concepts 20
▪ Types of data (6 marks)
• Discreet / continuous/ numerical /
categorical (2 marks)
• Primary and secondary data (2 marks)
• Dependent and independent variables (2
marks)
▪ Terms, e.g. population (3 marks)
• Population (1 mark)
• Sample (1 mark)
• Sample size (1 mark)
▪ Carrying out a survey (11 marks)
• Time frame for survey (2 marks)
• Collating data (3 marks)
• Findings (3 marks)
• Presenting results (3 marks)
Calculating statistics 20
▪ Mean, median and mode (8 marks)
▪ Weighted average (2 marks)
▪ Bar graph (1 mark)
▪ Pie graph (3 marks)
▪ Trend graph (1 mark)
▪ Histogram (2 marks)
▪ Other graphs (3 marks)
Presenting information from data 20
▪ Trend graph (3 marks)
▪ Bar graph (3 marks)
▪ Pie graph (4 marks)
▪ Frequency table (5 marks)
▪ Cumulative frequency curve (3 marks)
▪ Histogram (2 marks)
Interpreting results 20
▪ Discussion – statistics (3 marks)
▪ Interpreting a trend graph and pie graph (4
marks)
▪ Interpreting a bar graph (2 marks)
▪ Interpreting weather chart (2 marks)
▪ Interpreting frequency table (2 marks)
▪ Interpreting diagram (2 marks)
▪ Research, collection of data, findings,
interpreting data – own project (5 marks)
Total 80 20
Comments

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