VII-5
STANDARD VII: The student will be able to solve problems involving a variety of
algebraic and geometric concepts.
OBJECTIVE 5: Determine measures of central tendency.
The word “mean” will be used for the arithmetic average.
ELIGIBLE CONTENT: The set of numbers used to assess the range will not be in
numerical order.
Decimals up to hundredths may be used.
Decimals with different numbers of decimal digits may be used in
the same item.
Frequency diagrams may be used.
NUMBER OF TEST ITEMS: 4
LOCATION OF OBJECTIVE
SUBJECT WITHIN THE COURSE OF STUDY PAGE
51. Exhibit proficiency in determining mean, mode, median, and
range for a set of data. 60
52. Apply measures of central tendency and dispersion to
7th Grade Math real-life situations. 60
41. Analyze and/or extrapolate data from frequency tables,
stem-and-leaf plots, histograms, scattergrams, tally charts,
single- and multiple-bar graphs, single- and multiple-line
graphs, circle graphs, and published studies. 67
8 Grade Math
th
42. Use mean, median, mode, and range to analyze statistical 67
data.
40. Interpret data and draw inferences from tables, charts, and
graphs. 77
Introduction 41. Compute and use measures of central tendency to analyze
to Algebra statistical data. 77
45. Identify the effect on mean, median, mode, and range when a
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Algebra I set of data is changed. 84
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PREREQUISITE SKILLS OR RELATED SKILLS FOR THIS
SUBJECT OBJECTIVE WITHIN THE COURSE OF STUDY PAGE
9. Add, subtract, and multiply decimals. 43
45. Extrapolate data from frequency tables, charts, bar graphs,
and line graphs. 47
48. Describe data using measures of central tendency and
5th Grade Math dispersion. 47
6. Demonstrate proficiency in adding, subtracting, and
multiplying decimals. 49
7. Divide decimals. 49
45. Collect, organize, and interpret data using graphs, tables, and
charts. 53
6th Grade Math 46. Determine measures of central tendency and dispersion. 53
50. Analyze and/or extrapolate data from lists, circle graphs,
tables, single- and multiple-line graphs, single- and
7th Grade Math multiple-bar graphs, and tally charts. 60
*Algebra II
with Trig. 66. Solve problems involving normal distributions. 100
*Advanced
Mathematics 72. Read and interpret normal distribution curves. 109
*Mathematics 30. Interpret statistical analyses in sports and subsequent 114
in Society changes. 114
35. Solve problems involving normal distribution.
*Expansion/Review Material
TEACHER OVERVIEW
Explain the four measurements of central tendency: mean, median, mode, and range. In the
eligible content, only mean and range are specifically listed, but Objective 5 indicates that
students should be able to determine all measures of central tendency. A thorough review of
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VII-5
mean, median, mode, and range will be needed. For this activity, visiting a cemetery is
recommended; although any data with numbers can be used. Variations may include scores
of local sporting events, weather temperatures over a time period, or the number of each
color of M&M in a bag of M&Ms. After the activity, give students specific assignments
related to finding the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data.
(M&M’s is a registered trademark of Mars, Incorporated.)
ACTIVITY: Cemetery Statistics*
Purpose: To work with students in gathering data and applying the four measurements
of central tendency
Materials/Equipment:
Pencil
Paper R.I.P.
Access to a local cemetery
Procedure:
1. Give each student copies of Chart 1 and Chart 2.
2. Visit a local cemetery.
3. Have students collect data from a minimum of 50 tombstones. They should use the first
chart to record the following data.
Name
Male or female
Date of birth (month/year)
Date of death (month/year)
4. Students should calculate the age of each person at death.
5. Go over methods for finding the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data with
students.
6. Ask students to answer the following questions and complete the second chart.
Questions:
1. What is the range for the age of men at death and the range for the age of women at
death?
2. What is the average year of birth and the average year of death?
3. What is the mean age of men at death and the mean age of women at death?
4. What is the median age of men at death and the median age of women at death?
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5. What is the mode month of birth and the mode month of death?
6. What is the mode year of birth and the mode year of death?
7. What is the percent of people who died within a month following their birthdays?
Reading/Writing Connection:
Reading Comprehension Standard II, Objective 5: Recognize statements that
adequately summarize a passage.
Write a paragraph summarizing the cemetery project.
(*Used by permission of Jacksonville State University Inservice Education Center)
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CHART 1
Name of Cemetery ________________________ Student ____________________________
Location _________________________________
MALE/ DATE OF DATE OF AGE AT
NAME FEMALE BIRTH DEATH DEATH
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CHART 2
Name Of Cemetery ______________________ Student
______________________________
Location _____________________________
CATEGORY EVALUATED TOTAL COUNT
Number of Males
Number of Females
Number of Unidentified
% of Males
% of Females
% of Unidentified
Range for the age of men at death
Range for the age of women at death
Average year of birth
Average year of death
Average age of men at death
Average age of women at death
Median age of men at death
Median age of women at death
Mode month of birth
Mode month of death
Mode year of birth
Mode year of death
% of people who died within a month
following their birthday
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