1. Collecting data
[ S1.1 Support Plenary]
The numbers below are the ages at which all
the English kings and queens since William
the Conqueror died.
Put the information into a grouped frequency table.
At about what age on average did most kings and queens die? How did you decide? 60 43 67 50 56 42 65 68 34 47 49 41 13 35 53 16 69 59 48 55 51 33 77 81 71 70
Preamble
This activity is suited to small groups. Pupils will profit from the discussion arising from the choice of appropriate equal group sizes – overlapping or unequal groups are not uncommon errors even amongst the most capable. Choosing group size is seldom asked in conventional examinations (fortunately several ages lie on obvious group boundaries e.g. 70 or 55 thus forcing the issue). The loss of information resulting from too few groups, or the converse, should be a focus of attention. A fairly standard figure often quoted is between 5 and 8 groups.
Possible content
Drawing up and interpreting a grouped frequency table.
Resources
None.
Solution/Notes
A representative age would be round about 55 to 65.
Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2010
Original Material © Cambridge University Press 2010