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Algebra I

Activity:

Box Plots & Histograms

Posted on May 21, 2009

Topic: Data Analysis

Create and explore a box plot and histogram for a data set. Then compare the two data displays and use the comparison to draw conclusions about the data.

State Standards Alignment

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Activity Key Steps:

In the first part of the activity, students are given a scenario, they use the data supplied to discuss any visible trends when studying the data.

Students create a box plot from the data in the spreadsheet. They will analyze the different sections of the plot and determine where the mean falls relative to the median.

In the second part of the activity, students use the same data to create a histogram. They study and manipulate the histogram to gather information about the data. They explore the relationship of the mean and median by plotting both values.

Students then compare a box plot and a histogram on the same screen. Selecting a portion of the graph on one data display highlights the corresponding portion of the other display as well. ¶ At the end of this activity, students will be able to interpret and represent data displayed in histograms and box-and-whisker plots. They will also be able to decide which type of graph gives a suitable representation on data depending on the situation.