6.3 Using frequency tables

© 2021 Cambridge University Press Unit 6 Planning and collecting data1/2

FREQUENCY TABLES

Use these five basic steps to organise data into frequency tables.

TASK 1 Create a table using quantitative discrete data

A class scored these marks in a geography test.

Create a frequency table by following these steps.

12 18 14 12 19 16 19 19 14 19

18 16 18 18 12 12 20 17 18 19

19 16 16 15 12 12 16 18 15 15

Step 1: Find the range of the marks.

The lowest mark is ______ and the highest mark is ______

Step 2: Enter the possible marks from the lowest to the highest.

Frequency table: Class marks for geography test

Mark Tally Frequency

Total =

Step 3: Complete the tally columns.

Tally the marks, crossing off each mark as you put the stroke in the tally column.

Step 4: Complete the frequency column.

Add the tallies for each mark and complete the frequency column.

Step 5: Compare your frequency sum to the number of scores.

The total of the frequency column is __________

The total number of scores is __________

If these numbers are not the same, check your tally column then make sure the numbers in the frequency

column are correct. Add the frequency column again. The sum of the frequencies must equal the number

of scores.

6.3 Using frequency tables

© 2021 Cambridge University Press Unit 6 Planning and collecting data2/2

TASK 2 Collect data about this aquarium

Create a frequency table according to the colours of the fish in this picture.

TASK 3 Collect data about your home

1 Take this page through the rooms in your house to tally the number of chairs, doors, tables and

windows you find.

Category Tally Frequency

Chairs

Doors

Tables

Windows

2 Complete the frequency column.

3 What was the most frequent item? ____________________