(IB18) A box contains 100 cards

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a dataset consisting of 100 cards, focusing on calculating the median and interquartile range (IQR). Participants explore the correct approach to these calculations, debating whether to use frequency data or the actual data values.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presumes that the frequency row must equal 100 and calculates a value for k based on this assumption.
  • The same participant proposes a method for finding the median based on an ordered list of data values, suggesting a median of 15.5.
  • Another participant argues that the median and quartiles should be calculated using the actual data rather than frequencies, emphasizing the need to find the arithmetic mean of specific elements in the dataset.
  • This second participant also describes how to calculate the first and third quartiles (Q1 and Q3) and the IQR, stating that it is given by Q3 - Q1.
  • A later reply confirms the IQR calculation as 4, indicating agreement with the previous participant's result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether to use frequency data or actual data values for calculations. While some calculations are agreed upon, the method of obtaining the median and quartiles remains contested.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the assumptions made about the dataset and the definitions of terms like median and quartiles. The discussion does not resolve these ambiguities.

karush
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(a) I presume the frequency row has to equal 100
so
$$k=100 - (26 + 10 + 20 + 29 + 11)= 4$$(b)(i) again presume the median is based on frequency and on ordered list
so
median of $4\ 10\ 11 \ 20\ 26\ 29 = \frac{31}{2}$ or $15.5$

(ii) interquartile range? isn't this data list 100 numbers long?
or is $Q_1=10$ and $Q_3=26$ so interquartile range$=26-10=13$
 
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Re: (IB18) A box contains a 100 cards

For part b), you want to use the data, not the frequencies, in your calculations. To find the median (or $Q_2$) you observe that there is an even number of elements, so you take the arithmetic mean of the 50th and 51st elements.

Now, since there is an even number of elements in each half, you want to take the arithmetic mean of the 25th and 26th elements as $Q_1$ and the arithmetic mean of the 75th and 76th elements as $Q_3$. And then the inter-quartile range is given by:

$$IQR=Q_3-Q_1$$
 
Re: (IB18) A box contains a 100 cards

MarkFL said:
For part b), you want to use the data, not the frequencies, in your calculations. To find the median (or $Q_2$) you observe that there is an even number of elements, so you take the arithmetic mean of the 50th and 51st elements.

Now, since there is an even number of elements in each half, you want to take the arithmetic mean of the 25th and 26th elements as $Q_1$ and the arithmetic mean of the 75th and 76th elements as $Q_3$. And then the inter-quartile range is given by:

$$IQR=Q_3-Q_1$$

I got 5-1=4 IQR
 
Re: (IB18) A box contains a 100 cards

karush said:
I got 5-1=4 IQR

Yes, I got the same. :D
 

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