Scribd
Upload
16 views

Math Notes

Uploaded by

akwasiasubonteng807
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views

Math Notes

Uploaded by

akwasiasubonteng807
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Akwasi Wireko-Asubonteng

Math Notes:
Stem-and-Leaf Diagrams

Stem-and-leaf diagrams are a method of displaying data that are very close to a
histogram. They can be used with small data sets (fewer than 30 entries) and with
numerical data. The main advantage of a stem-and-leaf diagram, in comparison with a
histogram, is that the stem-and-leaf display retains the actual numerical values of the
data (besides the means).

Although the stem-and-leaf display keeps the data values, it also groups the data into
ranges that are not unlike the grouping that occurs in a histogram—ranges that help us
see the distribution of the data.

What is a Stem-and-Leaf Diagram?


A stem-and-leaf diagram is a way to show how quantitative data are distributed while
still keeping the original data intact. It has two parts: the "stem," which is the leading
digit or digits, and the "leaf," which is the trailing digit.

Why Use Stem-and-Leaf Diagrams?


This is a primer on stem-and-leaf diagrams. In school, you may have been taught that a
computer is necessary to perform a statistical operation. With stem-and-leaf diagrams,
you can literally see the data and how they are distributed. It is a way of maintaining the
actual data values while providing an overview of the distribution. You can identify the
median, mode, and range of the data quickly and easily. You can spot outliers.

A stem-and-leaf display has a unique structure. The first part of the number goes in the
stem, and the last digit of the number goes in the leaf. For example, if you were to list
the numbers 23 and 33 in a stem-and-leaf display, the number 23 would contribute a 2
to the display's stem and a 3 to its leaf. The number 33 would add another 3 to the
display's leaf. Each unique number in your data set will get its own row in the display.
And that right there is one reason to love stems and leaves: They display each number
in your data set without distorting the data.

Procedures for Using Linear Stems and Leaves to Display Quantitative Data
1. Sort the Data Set:
Arrange the data in increasing order.
2. Select the Stem Values:
Based on the data range, choose the appropriate stem values. For instance, for
data values ranging from 10 to 99, the stems could be 1, 2, ..., 9.
3. Construct the Display:
Akwasi Wireko-Asubonteng

Write the stems in a vertical column. To the right of each stem, place a horizontal
leaf.
4. Make a Key:
Include a key to enhance the readability of the display.

Purpose:
- They keep the data intact and also allow it to be summarized.
- They make the distribution and pattern of the data immediately visible.
- They are very helpful for comparing two different data sets.

You might also like