Statistics
Types of data, frequency tables, the mean, median, mode and range, outliers, and reading and drawing dot plots, column graphs, stem-and-leaf plots, pie charts and line graphs.
Downloads
Statistics is the maths of data: collecting it, sorting it, picturing it and working out what it tells you. In this topic you'll learn the different types of data, organise data in tables, sum up a whole data set with a few key numbers, and draw and read the graphs that people use in the news, in sport and in science. You'll finish by running a statistical investigation of your own.
What you'll learn
- 16.01 Types of data: categorical and numerical data, discrete and continuous data, and how to write good survey questions.
- 16.02 Frequency tables: tallies, frequencies and totals, and grouping data into class intervals.
- 16.03 Summarise data: the mean, median, mode and range, and choosing the measure that best describes the data.
- 16.04 Outliers: spotting values that don't fit, and how they change the mean, median and range.
- 16.05 Dot plots and column graphs: drawing and reading them, and describing the shape, centre and spread of the data.
- 16.06 Stem-and-leaf plots: organising numbers by their tens and units, and reading off the median, mode and range.
- 16.07 Pie charts: showing parts of a whole, and working out the angle for each sector.
- 16.08 Line graphs: reading values from a graph and describing how one quantity changes over time.
- Investigation: run your own statistical investigation. Ask a question, collect class data, display it, summarise it and report what you found.
Which level should I pick?
Every worksheet comes in three levels. Each one covers the same skills.
- Level 1 · Warm-up: smaller data sets, whole-number answers and more help along the way. A good place to start.
- Level 2 · Core: the main worksheet for the lesson.
- Level 3 · Challenge: bigger data sets, decimals, missing values and problems with more steps, for when the Core level feels easy.
Not sure? Start with Level 2. If the first few questions feel tricky, drop to Level 1. If you finish quickly and get them right, try Level 3. Download the worksheet, print it, and write your answers in the boxes.
Practice tests
When you've finished the lessons, try the three practice tests. Each one is like the real topic test: 45 minutes, 40 marks, a section without a calculator and a section with one. Write your working under each question, then copy your final answers onto the answer sheet on the last page, just like you will in the real test.
Curriculum outcomes
What this topic covers in the Australian Curriculum (version 9).
describe relationships between variables represented in graphs of functions from authentic data
acquire data sets for discrete and continuous numerical variables and calculate the range, median, mean and mode; make and justify decisions about which measures of central tendency provide useful insights into the nature of the distribution of data
create different types of numerical data displays including stem-and-leaf plots using software where appropriate; describe and compare the distribution of data, commenting on the shape, centre and spread including outliers and determining the range, median, mean and mode
plan and conduct statistical investigations involving data for discrete and continuous numerical variables; analyse and interpret distributions of data and report findings in terms of shape and summary statistics
From earlier years: these lessons revise skills students learnt in earlier years that this year's curriculum builds on, so they aren't linked to an outcome code for this year.
Outcomes lesson by lesson
- 16.01 Types of dataFrom earlier years
- 16.02 Frequency tablesFrom earlier years
- 16.03 Summarise dataAC9M7ST01
- 16.04 OutliersAC9M7ST01
- 16.05 Dot plots and column graphsAC9M7ST02
- 16.06 Stem-and-leaf plotsAC9M7ST02
- 16.07 Pie chartsAC9M7ST02
- 16.08 Line graphsAC9M7A04
- Investigation: Statistical investigationsAC9M7ST01AC9M7ST02AC9M7ST03