Shape of a Data Distribution
Videos and solutions to help grade 6 students learn to describe the data collected, the number of responses, an estimate of the mean or median, and an estimate of the interquartile range (IQR) or the mean absolute deviation (MAD) when given a frequency histogram.
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Common Core For Grade 6
Lesson 20 Student Outcomes
• Given a frequency histogram, students are able to describe the data collected, including the number of responses, an estimate of the mean or median, and an estimate of the interquartile range (IQR) or the mean absolute deviation (MAD).
Lesson 20 Summary
When comparing the distribution of a quantitative variable for two or more distinct groups, it is useful to display graphs of the groups' distributions side-by-side using the same scale. Generally, you can more easily notice, quantify, and describe the similarities and differences in the distributions of the groups.
Lesson 20 Problem Set
Another sample of Great Lake yellow perch from a different lake was collected. A histogram of the lengths for the fish in this sample is shown below.
1. If the length of a yellow perch is an indicator of its age, how does this second sample differ from the sample you investigated in the exercises? Explain your answer.
2. Does this histogram represent a data distribution that is skewed or that is nearly symmetrical?
3. What measure of center would you use to describe a typical length of a yellow perch in this second sample? Explain your answer.
4. Assume the smallest perch caught was 2 centimeters in length, and the largest perch caught was 29 centimeters in length.
Estimate the values in the five-number summary for this sample:
Minimum (min) value =
Q1 value =
Median value =
Q3 value =
Maximum (max) value =
5. Based on the shape of this data distribution, do you think the mean length of a yellow perch from this second sample would be greater than, less than, or the same as your estimate of the median? Explain your answer.
6. Estimate the mean value of this data distribution.
7. What is your estimate of a typical length of a yellow perch in this sample? Did you use the mean length from Problem 5 for this estimate? Explain why or why not.
8. Would you use the MAD or the IQR to describe variability in the length of Great Lakes yellow perch in this sample? Estimate the value of the measure of variability that you selected.
Related Topics:
Lesson Plans and Worksheets for Grade 6
Lesson Plans and Worksheets for all Grades
More Lessons for Grade 6
Common Core For Grade 6
New York State Common Core Math Grade 6, Module 6, Lesson 20
Download lessons for 6th GradeLesson 20 Student Outcomes
• Given a frequency histogram, students are able to describe the data collected, including the number of responses, an estimate of the mean or median, and an estimate of the interquartile range (IQR) or the mean absolute deviation (MAD).
Lesson 20 Summary
When comparing the distribution of a quantitative variable for two or more distinct groups, it is useful to display graphs of the groups' distributions side-by-side using the same scale. Generally, you can more easily notice, quantify, and describe the similarities and differences in the distributions of the groups.
Lesson 20 Problem Set
Another sample of Great Lake yellow perch from a different lake was collected. A histogram of the lengths for the fish in this sample is shown below.
1. If the length of a yellow perch is an indicator of its age, how does this second sample differ from the sample you investigated in the exercises? Explain your answer.
2. Does this histogram represent a data distribution that is skewed or that is nearly symmetrical?
3. What measure of center would you use to describe a typical length of a yellow perch in this second sample? Explain your answer.
4. Assume the smallest perch caught was 2 centimeters in length, and the largest perch caught was 29 centimeters in length.
Estimate the values in the five-number summary for this sample:
Minimum (min) value =
Q1 value =
Median value =
Q3 value =
Maximum (max) value =
5. Based on the shape of this data distribution, do you think the mean length of a yellow perch from this second sample would be greater than, less than, or the same as your estimate of the median? Explain your answer.
6. Estimate the mean value of this data distribution.
7. What is your estimate of a typical length of a yellow perch in this sample? Did you use the mean length from Problem 5 for this estimate? Explain why or why not.
8. Would you use the MAD or the IQR to describe variability in the length of Great Lakes yellow perch in this sample? Estimate the value of the measure of variability that you selected.
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