Proportion of Pupils Speaking 3 Languages Out of Total Number of Pupils

  • Thread starter Matt
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In summary, The question is asking for the proportion of pupils who speak 3 languages out of a total of 29 pupils. The answer provided is correct, as it is calculated by dividing the number of pupils who speak 3 languages by the total number of pupils. The method of dividing the total number of pupils by the number of pupils who speak 3 languages will give you a different result, as it is calculating how many times a class of 29 pupils can be divided into sets of 3 pupils. This is not the same as the proportion of pupils who speak 3 languages. The example of dividing four balls into sets is used to illustrate this difference.
  • #1
Matt
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I have attached a screenshot of the question. The methodology and answer that makes sense to me is the following:

29 (Total number of pupils) / 3 (Number of pupils who speak 3 languages) = 9.7 (1 d.p)

The answer given:
3 / 29 = 0.1 (1 d.p)

Have a misunderstood the question here? Any help is greatly appreciated.
 

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  • #2
Your method gives you how many times a class of 29 pupils can be divided up into sets of 3 pupils. That wasn't the question.

Your answer gives 900+ percent. How do you get more than 100% of the class? Obviously you can't. The answer given in the figure is correct.
 
  • #3
Matt said:
29 (Total number of pupils) / 3 (Number of pupils who speak 3 languages) = 9.7 (1 d.p)
Look at a simpler case.
Four balls: red, green blue and yellow.
What proportion are red?
It wouldn't be total / red because that would give you 4.
 

What is a pie chart/proportion question?

A pie chart/proportion question is a type of data visualization that displays numerical data as slices of a circle, with each slice representing a proportion of the whole.

What is the purpose of a pie chart/proportion question?

The purpose of a pie chart/proportion question is to visually represent the distribution and relationship of different categories or groups within a dataset.

How do you interpret a pie chart/proportion question?

To interpret a pie chart/proportion question, you can use the relative sizes of the slices to compare the proportions of the different categories or groups. The larger the slice, the higher the proportion it represents.

What are the advantages of using a pie chart/proportion question?

Some advantages of using a pie chart/proportion question include its ability to show the relationship between different categories, the ease of understanding for non-technical audiences, and its ability to quickly identify the largest and smallest categories.

What are the limitations of using a pie chart/proportion question?

Some limitations of using a pie chart/proportion question include difficulties in accurately comparing the sizes of smaller slices, the inability to display precise numerical values, and the potential for misinterpretation if the slices are not properly labeled or the data is misrepresented.

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