Summarizing Bivariate Categorical Data with Relative Frequencies

Videos and lessons with examples and solutions to help Algebra I students learn how to summarize bivariate categorical data with relative frequencies.

New York State Common Core Math Algebra I, Module 2, Lesson 10

Worksheets for Algebra 1

Student Outcomes

• Students summarize data on two categorical variables collected from a sample using a two-way frequency table.
• Given a two-way frequency table, students construct a relative frequency table and interpret relative frequencies

Lesson Summary

• Categorical data are data that take on values that are categories rather than numbers. Examples include male or female for the categorical variable of gender or the five superpower categories for the categorical variable of superpower qualities.
• A two-way frequency table is used to summarize bivariate categorical data.
• A relative frequency compares a frequency count to the total number of observations. It can be written as a decimal or percent. A two-way table summarizing the relative frequencies of each cell is called a relative frequency table.
• The marginal cells in a two-way relative frequency table are called the marginal relative frequencies, while the joint cells are called the joint relative frequencies.

Exit Ticket

Juniors and seniors were asked if they plan to attend college immediately after graduation, seek full-time employment, or choose some other option. A random sample of 100 students was selected from those who completed the survey. Scott started to calculate the relative frequencies to the nearest thousandth.

1. Complete the calculations of the relative frequencies for each of the blank cells. Round your answers to the nearest thousandth.
2. A school website article indicated that “A Vast Majority of Students from our School Plan to Attend College.” Do you agree or disagree with that article? Explain why agree or why you disagree.
3. Do you think juniors and seniors differ regarding after graduation options? Explain.

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