CGE13111 Understanding Society Through Statistical Reasoning

Topic 1: Collecting and Describing Data 3

In-Class and After-Class Exercise
Answer

Suggested Solution

In-Class Exercise

1 36
Χ̄ =
n
∑ Χ = =3 .0
12
1. (a)

Item in data array 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Number of days absent 0 1 1 1.5 2 2 2 3 4 5 5.5 9

1 1
( n+1 ) = (12+1 )=6 .5
(b) Since 2 2 , the median is 2.0

(c). Since there is an extreme value of 9.0, the median (which is 2.0) is therefore a better
measure for the “typical” number of days that employees were absent.

2. (a) The mode of jar size, or the jar size which is in greatest demand.

(b) The median income is a better measure of purchasing power since it is not as
easily affected by extremes.

(c) Since extremes are unlikely in this situation, the average mean daily price change
would be most useful.

After-Class Exercise

3. Step 1:
2k > n
n=30 and 25=32 i.e. 25 >30. Hence, it is decided to form 5 classes in the frequency
distribution.

Step 2:
i  (H-L)/k  (431-363)/5 = 13.6  15 The class width should be set at 15.

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 Step 3:
Class Tally Frequency
361 – 375 |||| 4
376 – 390 || 7
391 – 405 |||| 9
406 – 420 | 6
421 – 435 |||| 4

Histogram of Batteries Life Time

10
9
8
7
6
5
Frequency

4
3
2
1
0
361 – 375

376 – 390

391 – 405

406 – 420

421 – 435

Minutes

Frequency

4. Plot the frequency histogram for each month.

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