Interpreting a cumulative frequency graph
I can interpret a cumulative frequency graph.
Interpreting a cumulative frequency graph
I can interpret a cumulative frequency graph.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A cumulative frequency has values read in the same way as a line graph
- The median is the 50th percentile
- The lower quartile is the 25th percentile
- The upper quartile is the 75th percentile
- Other percentiles can also be found
Keywords
Percentile - A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal to or below it.
Lower quartile - The lower quartile is the value under which 25% of data points are found when they are arranged in increasing order. Also known as the first quartile (Q1).
Upper quartile - The upper quartile is the value under which 75% of data points are found when they are arranged in increasing order. Also known as the third quartile (Q3).
Common misconception
Using the highest value on the y-axis rather than the total frequency when calculating the values to read off for the lower quartile, median and upper quartile.
Ensure pupils understand that the total frequency must be used. A graph where the y-axis goes up to 100 and the total frequency is 40 can be used to highlight this. Then repeat with the same data, but with a graph where the y-axis goes up to 200.
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Interpreting a cumulative frequency graph, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Interpreting a cumulative frequency graph, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the Graphical representations of data: cumulative frequency and histograms unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
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Exit quiz
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