Is the median from a cumulative frequency graph accurate?

In summary, the conversation discusses a group frequency table with height ranges and corresponding frequencies. It questions the accuracy of finding the median from a cumulative frequency graph and suggests that using finer class boundaries could result in a more accurate median. It also mentions that the current table may not accurately represent the actual height distribution.
  • #1
adjacent
Gold Member
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Homework Statement


Height- 1-10| 10-20 |30-50 |50-60
Frequency 2 |5| 7| 9
Cumulative frequency-2 7 14 18
So this is a Group frequency table.
Is the median obtained from Cumulative frequency graph 100% accurate?Or is it just an assumption?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


We don't know the exact height value.So we put the largest value in the class.
So if just consider the first column,
The height of the first person(Frequency 1) should be 5.But we don't know that.He may or may not be 5feet(or whatever) tall
 
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  • #2
adjacent said:

Homework Statement


Height- 1-10| 10-20 |30-50 |50-60
Frequency 2 |5| 7| 9
Cumulative frequency-2 7 14 18
So this is a Group frequency table.
Is the median obtained from Cumulative frequency graph 100% accurate?Or is it just an assumption?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


We don't know the exact height value.So we put the largest value in the class.
So if just consider the first column,
The height of the first person(Frequency 1) should be 5.But we don't know that.He may or may not be 5feet(or whatever) tall

According to your table there is nobody between 20-30 units (whatever those are). Is that really the case?

Anyway, if you categorize more finely, you will get a different median. For example, if you use class boundaries 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, ..., 59-60 the answer will almost surely be different. In the first case you median will be accurate to +-5, and in the second case accurate to +-0.5 .
 
  • #3
Ray Vickson said:
According to your table there is nobody between 20-30 units (whatever those are). Is that really the case?

I just made up a graph from no where.It's the reason

Anyway, if you categorize more finely, you will get a different median. For example, if you use class boundaries 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, ..., 59-60 the answer will almost surely be different. In the first case you median will be accurate to +-5, and in the second case accurate to +-0.5 .

So it is an approximation.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is a Cumulative Frequency Graph?

A Cumulative Frequency Graph, also known as an Ogive, is a graphical representation of the cumulative frequency distribution of a set of data. It shows the total number of values below a certain point on the horizontal axis.

2. How is a Cumulative Frequency Graph constructed?

To construct a Cumulative Frequency Graph, first arrange the data in ascending order. Then, plot the cumulative frequency for each data point on the vertical axis and the corresponding data point on the horizontal axis. Next, connect the points with a smooth line to create the graph.

3. What is the purpose of a Cumulative Frequency Graph?

A Cumulative Frequency Graph is used to analyze the distribution of a set of data and to determine the total number of values that fall below a given value. It also helps to identify any patterns or trends in the data.

4. How does a Cumulative Frequency Graph differ from a Frequency Histogram?

While a Frequency Histogram displays the frequency of each data point, a Cumulative Frequency Graph displays the cumulative frequency of all values up to a certain point. This allows for a better visualization of the overall distribution of the data.

5. Can a Cumulative Frequency Graph be used to find the median of a set of data?

Yes, a Cumulative Frequency Graph can be used to find the median of a set of data. The point where the cumulative frequency is equal to half of the total number of data points represents the median. This point can be identified on the graph and its corresponding data value can be determined.

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