Liu Po Shan Memorial College

S.5 Mathematics
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________

Measures of dispersion

How many Likes are there?

Content

1. Range and Inter-quartile Range .................................................................................. 1 – 9

2. Box-and-Whisker Diagram .................................................................................... 10 – 13

3. Standard Deviation ................................................................................................ 14 – 21

4. Applications of Standard Deviation ........................................................................ 22 – 33

5. Effects of Data Change on Measures of Dispersion ................................................. 34– 41

6. HKDSE Focus .......................................................................................................... 42 – 76

 Range and Inter-quartile Range
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________

Learn

P.1
The averages alone cannot tell us how spread out or how dispersed the
data are.

P.2
Range

= 80.5 – 40.5 = 40 kg

P.3
 Practice

1. The following shows the heights of students in group A and group B.

Group A: 155 cm, 164 cm, 172 cm,
158 cm, 158 cm
Group B: 170 cm, 152 cm, 165 cm,
160 cm, 175 cm
(a) Find the range of heights of students in each of the two groups.
(b) Which group of students has more dispersed heights? Explain your answer.

2. The following table shows the daily wages (in $) of staff in two departments, X and Y, of a company.
Daily wages ($) 201 – 250 251 – 300 301 – 350 351 – 400 401 – 450 451 – 500
Frequency Department X 0 0 24 23 2 1
Department Y 3 9 8 20 10 0
(a) Find the range of the daily wages for each department of the company.
(b) Which department has less dispersed daily wages? Explain your answer.

P.4
- Arrange the data in ascending order
- The quartiles may not be the data
given in the data set

P.5
 Practice

1. The lifetimes (in hours) of 14 light bulbs of two brands are shown as follows:
Brand A: 1600, 2400, 2100, 1800, 1800, 2800, 2600
Brand B: 2200, 1600, 2200, 1600, 2800, 1800, 2000
For each brand of light bulbs, find the inter-quartile range of the lifetimes.

2. By comparing the inter-quartile ranges for each of the following data sets, determine which set has a
greater dispersion.
Data set A: 3, 4, 1, 0, 1, 2
Data set B: 13, 9, 5, 12, 15

P.6
3. The back-to-back stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the weights (in kg) of 2 teams of basketball
players.
Weights of 2 teams of basketball players
Team X Team Y
Leaf (1 kg) Stem (10 kg) Leaf (1 kg)
8 3 0 0 5 1 5 6 8
9 8 0 6 4 4 4
1 7 2 3
(a) For each team, find the inter-quartile range of the weights of the players.
(b) Based on the results in (a), players of which team have more dispersed weights?

4. The figure shows the cumulative frequency polygon for the time spent by 200 students on reading
newspapers per day.

(a) Find the lower quartile and the upper quartile of the time spent by the students per day.
(b) Find the inter-quartile range of the time spent by the students per day.

P.7
5.

6. The following table shows the numbers of family members in a household of a group of people.
Number of family members 1 2 3 4 5
Frequency 3 12 10 6 2

(a) Find the median, the lower quartile and the upper quartile of the above data.
(b) Find the inter-quartile range of the above data.

P.8
7. The following stem-and-leaf diagram shows the distribution of the finishing times of
20 runners in a marathon.
Finishing times of 20 runners in a marathon
Stem (10 min) Leaf (1 min)
25 3 6 6 8
26 1 4 5 7 9
27 2 2 2 3 6 8 8
28 5 6 9 9

(a) Find the range of the finishing times of the runners.

(b) (i) Find the lower quartile and the upper quartile of the finishing times of the runners.
(ii) Hence, find the inter-quartile range of the finishing times of the runners.

P.9
 Box-and-Whisker Diagram
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________

Learn
We can present the important information graphically in an
effective way by using a box-and-whisker diagram!

P.10
 Practice

1.
In each of the following box-and-whisker diagrams, find the lower quartile Q1, the median Q2, the upper
quartile Q3, the maximum and the minimum values of the data set.
(a) Minimum value = _____________
Maximum value = _____________
Lower quartile Q1 = _____________
Median Q2 = _____________
Upper quartile Q3 = _____________

(b) Minimum value = ______________

Maximum value = ______________
Lower quartile Q1 = ______________
Median Q2 = ______________
Upper quartile Q3 = ______________

2. Consider the following data set.

13, 15, 18, 20, 26, 28, 28, 33, 35, 39, 40
Draw a box-and-whisker diagram for the data.

P.11
3. The following box-and-whisker diagrams show the distributions of the personal best times (in s) for
running 400 m race of the athletes of two classes, S5C and S5D. The numbers of athletes in the two
classes are equal.

(a) There is no right whisker in the box-and-whisker diagram for the athletes of S5D. What does this
mean?
(b) Which class does the fastest athletes belong to? Explain your answer.
(c) Based on the inter-quartile range, the athletes of which class have more dispersed personal best times?
Explain your answer.

4. The following box-and-whisker diagram shows the distribution of the weights of 100 people before
participating in a fitness programme of a fitness centre.

(a) Find the range and the inter-quartile range of the weights of the people before participating in the
fitness programme.
(b) After the fitness programme, the weights of these 100 participants are measured and it is found
that the greatest weight among these participants is decreased by 21 kg. The manager of the fitness
centre claims that at least 25 participants have lost their weights after the programme. Do you
agree? Explain your answer.

P.12
5. The following box-and-whisker diagram shows the distribution of the times taken by a group of students
to finish a physical test. It is known that the range and the inter-quartile range of this distribution are 58 s
and 30 s respectively.

(a) Find a and b.

(b) After a training program, the longest time taken by the students to finish the physical test is 6 s
less than that before the training. The trainer claims that at least 25% of the students show
improvement in the time taken to finish the physical test. Do you agree? Explain your answer.

6. The following box-and-whisker diagram shows the distribution of the ages of group A interviewees. It
is known that the range and the inter-quartile range of this distribution are 50 and 34 respectively.

(a) Find a and b.

(b) The ages of group B interviewees are recorded. It is found that the eldest interviewee in group B is
10 years younger than that in group A. Elsie claims that at least 25% of group A interviewees are
older than any one in group B. Do you agree? Explain your answer.

P.13
 Standard Deviation
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________

Learn Range and inter-quartile range measure the dispersion of a data

set by using only part of the data set. Since not all data are
involved in the calculation, they may not fully reflect the degree
of dispersion in some cases.

P.14
 𝛍 is a Greek letter, read as mu.
𝛔 is also a Greek letter, read as sig-
ma.

P.15
Try

P.16
Try

Calculator (CASIO fx-50FH II)

P.17
 Practice

1. The heights of 5 students in a study group are as follows:

134 cm, 165 cm, 158 cm, 155 cm, 168 cm
(a) Find the mean height of the students in the group.
(b) Find the standard deviation of the heights of the students in the group, correct to 3 significant
figures.

2. The weight of an apple is measured using two instruments X and Y several times. The results are
recorded as follows:
Instrument X: 186 g, 184 g, 184 g, 186 g, 185 g
Instrument Y: 187 g, 184 g, 185 g, 185 g, 184 g
(a) Find the standard deviation of the measurements taken using instruments X and Y respectively.
(Give your answers correct to 3 significant figures.)
(b) Comparing the standard deviations of the measurements taken, which instrument takes more
consistent measurements? Explain your answer.

3. The following table shows the monthly expenses of 12 students.

Monthly expenses ($) 1 – 300 301 – 600 601 – 900 901 – 1200
Frequency 2 3 5 2
Find the mean and the standard deviation of the monthly expenses.
(Give your answers correct to 3 significant figures if necessary.)

P.18
4. The following histograms show the heights of the students in two classes, S5A and S5B.

(a) Find the standard deviations of the heights of the students from each class.
(Give your answers correct to 3 significant figures.)
(b) Hence, which class of students is more uniform in height? Explain your answer.

5. The following histograms show the monthly salaries of the employees of companies A and B.

(a) Find the standard deviations of the monthly salaries of the employees in each company.
(Give your answers correct to 3 significant figures.)
(b) Hence, which company offers more uniform monthly salaries to its employees? Explain your
answer.

P.19
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1. The scores obtained by 7 participants in a game show are shown below:

8, 18, 16, 19, 20, 11, 13

(a) Find the mean score obtained by the participants.

(b) Find the standard deviation and the variance of the scores obtained by the participants.

2. An engineer compares the volumes of two brands of lemon tea. The following back-to-back stem-and-
leaf diagram shows the distribution of the volumes of 20 boxes of lemon tea,
10 boxes of brand X and 10 boxes of brand Y.

Volumes of 20 boxes of lemon tea of brand X and brand Y

Brand X Brand Y
Leaf (0.1 mL) Stem (1 mL) Leaf (0.1 mL)
3 371 9
372 3
5 2 1 0 373 2 5 6 6 7
0 374 0 1 4
8 5 3 375
9 376

(a) Which measure of dispersion would you suggest to compare the volume variation of lemon tea of

two brands? Explain your answer.

(b) Using the measure of dispersion you suggest in (a), determine which brand has a greater variation

in volume.

P.20
3. Jam, Michael and Alan decide to join an archery competition. In a practice, they take turns to shoot an
arrow at the target 10 times. Their scores in 10 trials are recorded as follows:
Jam: 3 6 4 5 7 8 x 2 3 6
Michael: 2 3 5 7 8 5 2 10 9 4
Alan: 7 5 3 z z 2 6 4 5 7
The mean scores of Jam, Michael and Alan are 5.4 and y and z + 0.7 respectively.
(a) Find the values of x, y and z.
(b) Find the variance of the scores of Jam, Michael and Alan respectively.
(c) If only one participant with mean score higher than 5 in the practice can join the archery
competition, who should be chosen based on performance consistency? Explain your answer.

P.21
 Applications of Standard Deviation
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________

Learn

Eric got 90 marks in the 1st term exam and 70 marks in the final
exam, can you say that he did better in the 1st term exam?

P.22
 We found that the performance in different tests
does not depend only on the actual mark obtained, or
the difference between the actual mark and the mean
mark of the group. It also depends on the dispersion
of the marks.

P.23
Try

Normal Distribution

P.24
Try

P.25
 Practice

1. A Mathematics test consists of two papers. The results of five students in the papers are recorded as
follows:
Mandy Nancy Olivia Pearl Queenie
Paper 1 60 55 40 58 50
Paper 2 55 68 70 65 68
(a) Find the standard scores of Pearl in paper 1 and paper 2 respectively. (Give your answers correct
to 3 significant figures.)
(b) Paper 1 and Paper 2 carry a weight of 25% and 75% respectively. Pearl claims that only one
among the five students obtains a negative standard score in the overall result. Do you agree?
Explain your answer.

2. 8 students are preparing for a Mathematics competition. The table below shows their results in two
practices.
Don John Kitty Peter Mandy Mary Tim Janice
Practice 1 29 35 30 33 25 31 27 34
Practice 2 16 23 21 18 24 18 17 20
(a) Find Peter’s standard scores in practice 1 and practice 2 respectively.
(Give your answers correct to 3 significant figures.)
(b) The overall result of each student is calculated by adding the scores in both practices. Does Peter
obtain a positive standard score in the overall result? Explain your answer.

P.26
3. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of the marks of a class of students in a test.
Ben gets the highest mark while Richard gets the lowest mark with standard scores 3.5 and 2.5
respectively.

(a) Find the mean and the standard deviation of the distribution.
(b) If Paul gets a mark equal to the median, find his standard score.

4. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of the heights of the students of a class.
Peter is the tallest student in the class while Judy is 160 cm tall. The standard scores of the heights of
Peter and Judy are 2 and 1respectively.

(a) Find the mean and the standard deviation of the distribution.
(b) Find the standard score of the shortest student.

P.27
********************************************************************

1. In an aptitude test, David obtained a standard score of 0.8. If the mean mark and the standard

deviation of all the candidates are 75 and 7 respectively, how many marks did David obtained?

2. Mr Mak and Miss Chan are the participants of a trail running competition. The following table shows

the means and the standard deviations of the finishing times (in hours) obtained by all participants in

the competition.

Men Women
Mean 15.32 17.65
Standard deviation 1.57 2.34

Assume the finishing times for men and women are normally distributed. Mr Mak’s finishing time is
17.84 hours while Miss Chan’s finishing time is 20.67 hours. Who performs relatively better among the
participants in their own group? Explain your answer.

P.28
3. The manager of a company plans to employ a trainee. The following table shows the marks of Adrian

in three areas, as well as the means and the standard deviations of all the applicants.
Standard deviation of
Adrian’s mark Mean of all applicants
all applicants
Interview 78 81 1.5
Typing Test 88 93 4
Written Test 90 76 2.5

Assume the marks in each of the three areas are normally distributed.

(a) Find the standard scores of Adrian in each of the three areas.

(b) Compared to the other applicants, in which area does Adrian perform

(i) the best?

(ii) the worst?

(c) The interview, the typing test and the written test carry a weight of 50%, 20% and 30%

respectively. Does Adrian obtain a positive standard score in the overall result? Explain your

answer.

4. The mean and the standard deviation of the time taken by 200 students to finish a fitness test are 30 min

and 4.2 min respectively. Students with finishing time less than 38.4 min pass the fitness test.

(a) Michael’s standard score is 1.8. Can Michael pass the test? Explain your answer.

(b) Assume that the finishing times of the students are normally distributed. Find the number of

students passing the fitness test.

P.29
5. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of score for a group of children in a game.

Peter gets the median marks while Jerry gets 55 marks in the game. The standard scores of Peter and

Jerry are 1 and 0.5 respectively.

(a) Find the mean and the standard deviation of the distribution.

(b) Peter claims that at least 75% of the group whose standard score are negative. Do you agree?

Explain your answer.

6. The circumferences of a batch of pinewoods are normally distributed with a mean of

153 cm and a standard deviation of 21.4 cm. Only pinewoods with circumferences between 131.6 cm

and 174.4 cm are acceptable. If there are 15 pinewoods with circumferences greater than 195.8 cm, find

the number of pinewoods which are acceptable.

P.30
7. The weights of n salmons are normally distributed. It is known that 0.15% of them weigh lighter than

5.4 kg and 16% of them weigh heavier than 23.4 kg.

(a) Find the mean and the standard deviation of their weights.

(b) If 5991 salmons are lighter than 32.4 kg, find

(i) the value of n,

(ii) the number of salmons weighing between 9.9 kg and 23.4 kg.

P.31
1. Let x be the mark of David. in the overall result.
x  75
 0.8
7
x  69.4 4. (a) Let x min be the time required for Michael to
∴ David obtained 69.4 marks. finish the fitness test.
x  30
 1.8
4.2
2. Standard score of Mr Mak x  37.56
17.84  15.32
 ∵ 37.56 min < 38.4 min
1.57
 1.6051 ∴ Michael can pass the test.
Standard score of Miss Chan
20.67  17.65
 (b) ∵ 38.4 min = [30 + 2(4.2)] min =   2
2.34
 1.2906 ∴ The required percentage
∵ Standard score of Miss Chan  50%  34%  13.5%
 97.5%
< standard score of Mr Mak ∴ The required number of students
∴ Miss Chan performs relatively better.  200  97.5%
 195

3. (a) For the interview,

5. (a) Let  and  be the mean and the standard
Adrian’s standard score  78  81
1.5 deviation of the scores respectively.
 2
∵ The standard score of Peter is 1 .
For the typing test, 46  
∴  1
Adrian’s standard score  88  93 
4 46    
 1.25     46 ……(1)
For the written test, ∵ The standard score of Jerry is 0.5.
55  
Adrian’s standard score  90  76 ∴

 0.5
2.5
 5.6 55    0.5
  0.5  55 ……(2)
(2) – (1): 0.5  ( )  55  46
(b) (i) Adrian performs the best in the written 1.5  9
test since the standard score in the written  6
test is the highest. By substituting  6 into (1), we have
  6  46
  52
(ii) Adrian performs the worst in the Hence, the mean and the standard
interview since the standard score in deviation of the scores are 52 and 6
the interview is the lowest. respectively.
(c) Adrian’s score in the overall result
 78  50%  88  20%  90  30%  83.6

Mean score in the overall result

 81  50%  93  20%  76  30%  81.9 (b) ∵ Upper quartile  51  52  mean
∵ Adrian’s score in the overall result ∴ The standard score of the bottom 75%
of the students are all negative.
> mean score in the overall result
∴ Peter’s claim is correct.
∴ Adrian obtains a positive standard score

P.32
6. 195.8 cm = (153 + 2 × 21.4) cm =   2 ∴   3  5.4 ......(1)
The percentage of pinewoods with     23.4 ......(2)
circumferences greater than 195.8 cm (1) + 3  (2): 4  75.6
 50%  47.5%   18.9
 2. 5% By substituting   18.9 into (2), we have
∴ The total number of pinewoods 18 .9    23 .4
 15  2.5%   4 .5
 600 ∴ The mean and the standard deviation of
131.6 cm = (153 – 21.4) cm =    the weights of the salmons are 18.9
174.4 cm = (153 + 21.4) cm =    kg and 4.5 kg respectively.
The percentage of pinewoods with
circumferences between 131.6 cm and 174.4 (b) (i) 32.4 kg = (18.9 + 3 × 4.5) kg =   3
cm The percentage of salmons weighing less
= 68% than 32.4 kg
 50%  34%  13.5%  2.35%
∴ The required number of pinewoods  99.85%
∴ n  99.85%  5991
 600  68% n  6000
 408
(ii) 9.9 kg = (18.9 – 2 × 4.5) kg =   2
23.4 kg = (18.9 + 4.5) kg =   
7. (a) Let  kg and  kg be the mean and the The percentage of salmons weighing
standard between
deviation of the weights of the salmons 9.9 kg and 23.4 kg
 47.5%  34%
respectively.
 81 .5%
∵ 0.15% of them weigh lighter than 5.4 kg ∴ The required number of salmons
and  6000  81.5%
 4890
16% of them weigh heavier than 23.4 kg.

P.33
 Angles in the Alternate Segment
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________

Learn

Let’s try to explore the followings!

Change of Data
9, 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20

Range =
Q1 = ，Q2 = ，Q3 =
Original Data +3 Inter-quartile range =
Mean =
6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 17 Variance =
SD =

Range = 17 – 6 = 11 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13

Q1 = 8，Q2 =13，Q3 = 16。 –4
Inter-quartile range = 16 – 8 = 8
Mean = 12
Variance = 16 Range =
SD = 4 Q1 = ，Q2 = ，Q3 =
Inter-quartile range =
x3 Mean =
÷2 Variance =
SD =

3, 4, 4.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8, 8.5 12, 16, 18, 26, 30, 32, 34

Range = Range =
Q1 = ，Q2 = ，Q3 = Q1 = ，Q2 = ，Q3 =
Inter-quartile range = Inter-quartile range =
Mean = Mean =
Variance = Variance =
SD = SD = P.34
 Conclusion

Mean:

Mode:

Median:

Range & Inter-quartile range:

Standard deviation:

Variance:

P.35
Example
1.

(c) each datum is multiplied by -7

2.

Practice

1.

P.36
2.

3.

4.

P.37
5. An art gallery decided to make some picture frames for the paintings recently received. The following
box-and-whisker diagram shows the distribution of the perimeters of those paintings.

(a) Find the range and the inter-quartile range of the perimeters of the paintings.
(b) The cost ($C) of a picture frame can be calculated by using the formula C = 2P + 50, where P is
the perimeter of the painting.
(i) What are the range and the inter-quartile range of the costs of the picture frames?
(ii) Draw a box-and-whisker diagram to present the costs of the picture frames.

6. The range and the standard deviation of data set X = {a, b, c, d, e} are R and  respectively.
(a) (i) Find the range and the standard deviation of the data set
{a – m, b – m, c – m, d – m, e – m}, where m is a constant.
(ii) Hence, find the range and the standard deviation of the data set
a  m b  m c  m d  m e  m
 , , , , .
 3 3 3 3 3 
(b) It is given that the range and standard deviation of the data set {2, 4, 4, 7, 10} are 8 and 2.8
respectively. Using the results of (a), find the range and the standard deviation of the data set
1 
 , 1, 1, 2, 3 .
3 

P.38
7.

**************************************************

P.39
P.40
P.41
 HKDSE focus
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________
1. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of the high jump records of a group of students:

Height (m)
1.59 a 1.85 1.96 b

The inter-quartile range and the range of the distribution are 0.24 m and 0.42 m respectively.
(a) Find a and b.
(b) The students join a training program. It is found that the least height of the students of the high jump after
training is 0.14 m higher than that before the training. The coach claims that at least 25% of the students
show improvement in the high jump after training. Do you agree? Explain your answer.
(4 marks)

P.42
[Ref to: HKDSE 2013 Paper 1 Q9]

2. The bar chart below shows the distribution of the numbers of books read by the students in a reading club.
Distribution of the numbers of books read by the
students in a reading club
14
12

Numbers of students
10
8
6
4
2
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Numbers of books read

(a) Find the mean, the inter-quartile range and the standard deviation of the above distribution.
(b) A student leaves the reading club. The number of books read by this student is 6. Find the change in the
standard deviation of the numbers of books read by the students in the reading club due to the leaving of
this student.
(5 marks)

P.43
[Ref to: HKDSE 2013 Paper 1 Q10]

3. The ages of the players of Football Team A are shown as follows:

17 19 20 20 23 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 29 29 30 30 31 32 33 35
(a) Write down the median and the mode of the ages of the players of Football Team A. (2 marks)
(b) The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the ages of the members of Football Team B. It
is given that the inter-quartile range of this distribution is 8.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
1 7 7 8 9
2 a 2 2 2 3 5 6 7 7 b
3 1 2 3 4
(i) Find a and b.
(ii) From each team, a player is randomly selected as the representative of that team. The two
representatives can join a youth program when the sum of their ages is not greater than 42. Find the
probability that these two representatives can join the program.
(4 marks)

P.44
[Ref to: HKDSE 2014 Paper 1 Q4]

4. The table below shows the distribution the number of smartphones owned by some taxi drivers.
Number of smartphones 1 2 3 4
Number of taxi drivers 5 9 10 2
Find the median, the mode and the standard deviation of the above distribution. (3 marks)

[Ref to: HKDSE 2014 Paper 1 Q11]

5. There are 40 people in a group. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of the weights (in
kg) of these people. It is given that the mean of this distribution is equal to the median.

Weight (kg)
34 39 46 55 62

(a) Find the range and the inter-quartile range of the above distribution. (3 marks)
(b) Four people of weights (in kg) 40, 43, 59 and 60 now leave the group. Find the mean and the median of the
weights of the remaining people in the group. (3 marks)

P.45
[Ref to: HKDSE 2015 Paper 1 Q12]

6. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the prices (in $) of the cupcakes in a bakery.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
1 6 6 8 9
2 0 2 4 4 5 7 8
3 1 3 5 8
4 0
(a) Find the mean, the median and the range of the above distribution. (3 marks)
(b) The pastry chef now makes two new cupcakes. It is found that the mean and the range of the distribution
of the prices are increased by $1. Find the price of each of these two cupcakes.
(4 marks)

P.46
[Ref to: HKDSE 2017 Paper 1 Q11]

7. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the scores of the students in a quiz.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
2 8 9
3 0 a 3 6 8
4 1 2 2 3 6 7 9
5 b
It is given that the mean and the range of the above distribution are 39 and 22 respectively.
(a) Find the median and the standard deviation of the above distribution. (5 marks)
(b) If a student is randomly selected from the group, find the probability that the score of the selected student
exceeds 30. (2 marks)

P.47
[Ref to: HKDSE 2018 Paper 1 Q10]

8. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of the ages of the members in team A. It is given
that the range and the inter-quartile range of this distribution are 42 and 22 respectively.

Age
a b 37 48 60

(a) Find a and b. (3 marks)

(b) There are four members in team B. It is given that the mode and the range of the ages of the members in
team B are 38 and 21 respectively. Team A and team B are now combined to form a section. The leader of
the section claims that the range of the ages of the members in the section and the range of the ages of the
members in team A must be the same. Do you agree? Explain your answer. (2 marks)

P.48
[Ref to: HKDSE 2019 Paper 1 Q12]

9. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the heights (in cm) of the plants in a garden.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
9 a
10 0 1 2 c c 9
11 1 3 4 5 6 7 8
12 3 3 5 7 7
13 b
It is given that the inter-quartile range of the distribution is 18 cm.
(a) Find c. (2 marks)
(b) It is given that the range of the distribution exceeds 44 cm and the mean of the distribution is
114 cm.
(i) Find a and b.
(ii) Find the least possible standard deviation of the distribution.
(6 marks)

P.49
[Ref to: HKDSE 2020 Paper 1 Q9]

10. The table below shows the distribution of the numbers of clubs joined by a class of students.
Number of clubs 3 4 5 6
Number of students 7 13 17 3
(a) Write down the mean, the median and the standard deviation of the above distribution.
(b) A new student now joins the class. The number of clubs joined by the new student is 5. Find the change in
the median of the distribution due to the joining of this student.
(5 marks)

P.50
[Ref to: HKDSE 2020 Paper 1 Q11]

11. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the weights (in g) of the eggs in a carton.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
5 2 2 3 4 5 5 8
6 0 1 3 4 5 5 5 7 7 8 9
7 0 x
It is given that the range of the above distribution is the double of its inter-quartile range.
(a) Find x. (4 marks)
(b) If an egg is randomly chosen from the carton, find the probability that the weight of the chosen egg is not
greater than the mode of the distribution. (2 marks)

P.51
[Ref to: HKDSE 2021 Paper 1 Q9]

12. The bar chart below shows the distribution of the numbers of apps installed in a group of smartphones.
Distribution of the numbers of apps installed in a
group of smartphones

30

Numbers of smartphones
25
k

10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17
Numbers of apps installed

If a smartphone is randomly selected from the group, then the probability that the number of apps installed in the
3
selected smartphone is less than 14 is .
10
(a) Find k.
(b) Write down the range, the inter-quartile range and the standard deviation of the above distribution.
(5 marks)

P.52
[Ref to: HKDSE 2022 Paper 1 Q11]

13. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the ages of people in a tour group.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
1 8
2 1 2 3 4 a 7 9
3 0 3 4 b 7 8 9
4 3 3 3 6
5 2 4 5
It is given that the inter-quartile range and the median of the distribution are 18 and 35 respectively.
(a) Find a and b. (3 marks)
(b) A person now leaves the tour group.
(i) Is there any change in the mode of the distribution due to the leave of the person? Explain your answer.
(ii) If the range of the distribution is decreased, find the greatest possible standard deviation of the
distribution.
(4 marks)

P.53
[Ref to: HKDSE 2023 Paper 1 Q9]

14. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the amount (in $) spent by a group of customers in
a coffee shop.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
2 2 5 9 9
3 0 4 4 5 5 5 6 7 8
4 0 1 1 2 5 5 k
It is given that the range of the above distribution is $25.
(a) Find the mean and the mode of the above distribution.
(b) If a customer is randomly selected from the coffee shop, find the probability that the amount spent by the
selected customer exceeds the mode of the distribution.
(5 marks)

P.54
[Ref to: HKDSE 2023 Paper 1 Q11]

15. The table below shows the distribution of the numbers of emails received by a class of students on a day.
Number of emails received 2 3 4 5
Number of students 8 6 n 2
It is given that the mean of the above distribution is 3.
(a) Find the median, the inter-quartile range and the variance of the distribution. (5 marks)
(b) Two students now withdraw from the class. It is found that the mean of the distribution remains unchanged.
Is there any change in the range of the distribution due to the withdrawal of the two students? Explain your
answer. (2 marks)

P.55
 HKDSE focus
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________
1. (a) 1.96 – a = 0.24 2
= 1A
15
a = 1.72 1A
Alternative method:
b – 1.59 = 0.42
The required probability
b = 2.01 1A 8  8  7  6  4  4  4  4  2 1
= 1M
(b) Note that the least height of the students 360
2
of the high jump after training is (1.59 + = 1A
15
0.14) m = 1.73 m, which is higher than the
lower quartile of the distribution of the 4. The median = 2 1A
high jump records before the training The mode = 3 1A
(1.72 m). 1M The standard deviation
Thus, the claim is agreed. 1A  0.874 524 385
= 0.875, cor. to 3 sig, fig. 1A
2. (a) The mean
101
= 4.04 (or ) 1A 5. (a) The range
25
The inter-quartile range = (62 – 34) kg 1M
=5–3 1M = 28 kg (either
1A one)
=2 1A The inter-quartile range
The standard deviation = (55 – 39) kg
= 1.28 1A = 16 kg 1A
(b) The new standard deviation (b) The mean of the weights of the remaining
 1.261 680 124 people
(40)(46)  40  43  59  60
The decrease in the standard deviation = kg 1M
40  4
 1.28 – 1.261 680 124 = 45.5 kg 1A
= 0.018 319 876 Note that 40 and 43 are less than 46.
 0.0183 1A Also note that 59 and 60 are greater than 46.
The median of the weights of the remaining
3. (a) The median people
= 27  28 = 46 kg 1A
2
= 27.5 1A
The mode = 29 1A 6. (a) The mean = $26 1A
(b) (i) Note that 0  a  2 and 7  b  9. The median
Also note that the inter-quartile range of = $ 24  25
2
the = $24.5 1A
distribution is 8, i.e. b – a = 8. The range
Thus, we have
a  0
and
a  1
.1A+1A = $(40 – 16)
 
b  8 b  9 = $24 1A
(ii) The required probability (b) Let $a and $b be the prices of these two
= 10  9  8  8  4  4  3  2 1M cupcakes, where a ≤ b.
360

P.56
 a  b  26(16) distribution
Note that = 26 + 1. 1M
18 of the ages of the members in the section
Therefore, we have a + b = 70. = 60 – 17
Since the range is increased by $1, = 43
the new range is $25. ≠ 42
There are two cases. Thus, the claim is disagreed. 1A
Case 1: a = 15
1M Alternative method:
Since a + b = 70, we have b (either
= 55. Suppose that the ages of the members in
Therefore, the new range is $40. team B are
It is impossible. 17, 20, 38 and 38. 1M
Case 2: 16  a  41 Note that the range of the ages of the
Under this case, we have b = 41.1A members in
Since a + b = 70, we have a = 29.1A team B is 21.
Thus, the prices of these two cupcakes are The range of the ages of the members in the
$29 and $41. section
= 60 – 17
7. (a) The median = 41 1A = 43
Note that  42
28  29  30  (30  a)  33  36  38  Thus, the claim is disagreed. 1A
41  42  2  43  46  47  49  (50  b)
= 39 1M
15
9. (a) 123 – (100 + c) = 18 1M
Therefore, we have a + b = 1. c=5 1A
Also note that (50 + b) – 28 = 22. 1M (b) (i) (130 + b) – (90 + a) > 44 1M
Solving, we have a = 1 and b = 0. 1A b–a>4
The standard deviation (90  a )  100  101  102  105  2  109 
111  113  114  115  116  117  118 
 7.229 568 913 123  2  125  127  2  (130  b)
 114 1M
= 7.23, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A 20
(b) The required probability Therefore, we have a + b = 9.
12 Thus, we have
= 1M
15
a  0  a  1 a  2
= 4
1A  ,  or  . 1A+1A
5 b  9 b  8 b  7
(ii) By (b)(i), there are three cases.
8. (a) 60 – a = 42 Case 1: a = 0 and b = 9
1M
a = 18 (either one)
1A The standard deviation
48 – b = 22  11.309 288 22 cm 1M
b = 26 1A Case 2: (either
a = 1 and b = 8
(b) Note that 38 – 21 = 17. 1M The standard deviation
Therefore, the least possible age of the  11.095 043 94 cm
members Case 3: a = 2 and b = 7
in team B is 17. The standard deviation
The greatest possible range of the  10.885 770 53 cm
Thus, the least possible standard
P.57
deviation of = 15 – 13
the distribution is 10.9 cm. 1A =2 1A
The standard deviation
10. (a) The mean  1.270 393 64
= 4.4 1A = 1.27, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A
The median
45 13. (a) 43 – (20 + a) = 18 1M
=
2
a=5 1A
= 4.5 1A
34  (30  b )
The standard deviation = 35
2
 0.860 232 527 b=6 1A
= 0.860, cor. to 3 sig. fig. 1A (b) (i) The original mode
(b) The new median = 43 1M
=5 The new mode (either
The increase in the median = 43
= 5 – 4.5 1M Thus, there is no change in the mode
= 0.5 1A of the distribution. 1A
(ii) There are two cases.
11. (a) The range Case 1:The person of age 18 leaves the
= [(70 + x) – 52] g 1M group.
= (x + 18) g The standard deviation
The inter-quartile range  10.318 290 56 1M
= (67 – 55) g 1M (either
Case 2: The person of age 55 leaves
= 12 g the group.
∴ x + 18 = 2(12) 1M The standard deviation
x=6 1A  10.063 066 44
(b) The mode of the distribution is 65g. Thus, the greatest possible standard
The required probability deviation
14 of the distribution is 10.3. 1A
= 1M
20
7
= 1A
10 14. (a) (40 + k) – 22 = 25 1M
k=7
12. (a) 10  k
= 3
1M The mean = $36 1A
10  k  30  25  11  4 10
The mode = $35 1A
100 + 10k = 240 + 3k (b) The required probability
7k = 140 = 10
1M
20
k = 20 1A 1
= 1A
(b) The range 2

= 17 – 12
=5 2  8  3 6  4  n  5 2
15. (a) =3 1M
1A 86 n 2

The inter-quartile range 4n + 44 = 48 + 3n

P.58
 n=4 The range of the distribution
The median =3 1M
=3 1A (either
Case 2:One of the two students received
The inter-quartile range 2 emails and the other students
=4–2 1M received 4 emails.
=2 1A The range of the distribution
The variance =3
=1 1A Thus, there is no change in the range of the
(b) Note that the original range is 3. distribution due to the withdrawal of the
There are two cases. two students. 1A
Case 1:Each of the two students received 3
emails.

P.59
1. The bar chart below shows the distribution of the numbers of candies owned by a group of children. Find the
standard deviation of the distribution correct to 2 decimal places.
A. 1.17

Numbers of children
8
B. 1.18
C. 1.20 6

D. 2.33 4
2
0
0 1 2 3 4
Numbers of candies

[Ref to: HKDSE 2013 Paper 2 Q29]

2. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the ages of a group of people.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
1 9
2 2 5
3 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8
4 1 1 4 6 7
5 2
Which of the following box-and-whisker diagrams may represent the distribution of their ages?
A.

B.

C.

D.

P.61
[Ref to: HKDSE 2014 Paper 2 Q30]

3. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the working hours of a group of workers.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
1 a 3 5 7 8 8 9
2 0 1 1 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 8
3 1 2 2 3 5 6 8 9 9
4 0 0 b
If the range of the above distribution is at least 32 hours, which of the following must be true?
I. 0≤a≤3
II. 0≤b≤9
III. 2 ≤ b – a ≤ 6
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and II only

[Ref to: HKDSE 2015 Paper 2 Q29, 2021 Paper 2 Q29]

4. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of numbers of apples sold in several branches of
supermarkets in a day. Find the inter-quartile range of the distribution.

Number of apples sold

50 90 130 170 210 250 290 330

A. 130
B. 140
C. 150
D. 240

[Ref to: HKDSE 2017 Paper 2 Q29, 2023 Paper 2 Q29]

5. The box-and-whisker diagram below shows the distribution of the ages of a group of people. Find the lower quartile
of the distribution.

Age
0 10 20 30 40 50 60

A. 5
B. 25
C. 45
D. 55

P.62
[Ref to: HKDSE 2017 Paper 2 Q30]

6. Consider the following positive integers:

1 2 4 8 10 12 13 m n
Let a, b and c be the mode, the median and the range of the above positive integers respectively. If the mean of the
above positive integers is 6, which of the following must be true?
I. a=2
II. b=4
III. c = 12
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only

[Ref to: HKDSE 2018 Paper 2 Q30]

7. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of number of emails received by 10 employees in a week.

Stem (tens) Leaf (units)

1 5 8
2 a 9
3 4 6 7
4 b 9 9
If the inter-quartile range of the above distribution is at most 14, which of the following must be true?
I. 6≤a≤9
II. 0≤b≤3
III. 1 ≤ a – b ≤ 6
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

[Ref to: HKDSE 2019 Paper 2 Q29]

8. Which of the following can be obtained from any box-and-whisker diagram?

I. Mean
II. Median
III. Range
A. III only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

P.63
[Ref to: HKDSE 2020 Paper 2 Q29]

9. The bar chart below shows the distribution of the numbers of bags owned by some students. Find the inter-quartile
range of the distribution.
A. 1 14

Numbers of students
B. 2 12
C. 3 10
8
D. 4
6
4
2
0
1 2 3 4 5
Numbers of bags

[Ref to: HKDSE 2020 Paper 2 Q30]

10. Consider the following integers:

2 3 4 4 4 5 6 m n
Let a, b and c be the mean, the mode and the median of the above integers respectively. If the range of the above
integers is 5, which of the following must be true?
I. a=4
II. b=4
III. c = 4
A. II only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only

[Ref to: HKDSE 2022 Paper 2 Q30]

11. Consider the following positive integers:

1 2 3 3 a a a b
If both the mean and the median of the above integers are 3, which of the following must be true?
I. The mode of the above positive integers is 3 only.
II. The least possible range of the above positive integers is 3.
III. The greatest possible variance of the above positive integers is 3.
A. I only
B. II only
C. III only
D. I and III only

P.64
Exercise (Section B)
[Ref to: HKDSE 2013 Paper 2 Q45, 2014 Paper 2 Q45]

1. If the variance of the four numbers a, b, c and d is 3, then the variance of the four numbers 2a – 5,
2b – 5, 2c – 5 and 2d – 5 is
A. 1.
B. 7.
C. 9.
D. 12.

[Ref to: HKDSE 2014 Paper 2 Q44]

2. In a test, Ivan gets 65 marks and his standard score is 2.5 while Joanna gets 53 marks and her standard score is –
3.5. Find the mean of the test scores.
A. 2 marks
B. 58 marks
C. 59 marks
D. 60 marks

[Ref to: HKDSE 2016 Paper 2 Q44]

3. The stem-and-leaf diagram below shows the distribution of the scores (in marks) of a class of students in an
examination. Ben gets the highest score in the examination.
Stem (tens) Leaf (units)
4 8
5 0 1 2 5 5 9
6 1 2 2 4 5 7 8 8
7 0 1 2 2 4
Which of the following is/are true?
I. The upper quartile of the distribution is 70 marks.
II. The standard deviation of the distribution is lower than 8 marks.
III. The standard score of Ben in the examination is greater than 1.5.
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only

P.65
[Ref to: HKDSE 2016 Paper 2 Q45]

4. The variance of a set of number is 7. Each number of the set is multiplied by 3 and then 2 is subtracted from each
resulting number to form a new set of numbers. Find the variance of the new set of numbers.
A. 19
B. 21
C. 61
D. 63

[Ref to: HKDSE 2017 Paper 2 Q44]

5. The standard score of Coey in a quiz is –4. If the score of Coey in the quiz is 45 marks and the mean of the quiz is
57 marks, then the standard deviation of the scores in the quiz is
A. 1.5 marks.
B. 3 marks.
C. 6 marks.
D. 9 marks.

[Ref to: HKDSE 2017 Paper 2 Q45]

6. Let m1, q1 and v1 be the mean, the inter-quartile range and the variance of a group of numbers {x1, x2, x3, x4, x5}
respectively while m2, q2 and v2 be the mean, the inter-quartile range and the variance of a group of numbers {5x1,
5x2, 5x3, 5x4, 5x5} respectively. Which of the following must be true?
I. m2 = 5m1
II. q2 = 5q1
III. v2 = 5v1
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

[Ref to: HKDSE 2018 Paper 2 Q44]

7. In a test, the mean of the test scores is 64 marks. Paul gets 52 marks in the test and his standard score is
–1.5. If Mary gets 60 marks, then her standard score is
A. –1.
B. –0.5.
C. 0.5.
D. 1.

P.66
[Ref to: HKDSE 2019 Paper 2 Q44]

8. In an examination, the standard deviation of the examination scores is 6 marks. The examination score of Stephy
is 61 marks and her standard score is 0.5. If the standard score of Tim in the examination is –2.5, then his
examination score is
A. 43 marks.
B. 49 marks.
C. 55 marks.
D. 73 marks.

[Ref to: HKDSE 2019 Paper 2 Q45]

9. The median, the range and the variance of a set of numbers are m, r and v respectively. Each number of the set is
multiplied by 4 and then 3 is subtracted from each resulting number to form a new set of numbers. Which of the
following is/are true?
I. The median of the new set of numbers is 4m – 3.
II. The range of the new set of numbers is 4r – 3.
III. The variance of the new set of numbers is 4v – 3.
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only

[Ref to: HKDSE 2020 Paper 2 Q44]

10. In a test, the difference of the test scores and the difference of the standard scores of two students are 28 marks and
4 respectively. In the test, the standard deviation of the test scores is
A. 4 marks.
B. 7 marks.
C. 24 marks.
D. 32 marks.

[Ref to: HKDSE 2020 Paper 2 Q45]

11. The variance of the six numbers 7x + 1, 7x + 3, 7x + 7, 7x + 9, 7x + 13 and 7x + 15 is

A. 8.
B. 5.
C. 25.
D. 7x + 8.

P.67
[Ref to: HKDSE 2021 Paper 2 Q44]

12. In an examination, the mean of the examination scores is 55 marks. A boy gets 40 marks and his standard score is
–3. If the standard score of a girl in the examination is 4, then her examination score is
A. 5 marks.
B. 66.25 marks.
C. 70 marks.
D. 75 marks.

[Ref to: HKDSE 2022 Paper 2 Q44]

13. In a test, the mode of the test scores is 35 marks. All the students fail in the test, so the test score of each student is
adjusted such that each score is increased by 20% and then extra 8 marks are added. Let x marks be the mode of
the test scores of the class of students after the score adjustment. In the test, the standard score of a student before
the score adjustment is –3. Denote the standard score of this student after the score adjustment by z. Find x and z.
A. x = 42 and z = –3.6
B. x = 42 and z = –3
C. x = 50 and z = –3.6
D. x = 50 and z = –3

[Ref to: HKDSE 2022 Paper 2 Q45]

14. It is given that x is a real number. Let S1 be a group of numbers {x – 3, x – 1, x, x + 2, x + 3, x + 5} and S2 be another
group of numbers {x – 4, x – 2, x – 1, x + 1, x + 2, x + 4}. Which of the following is/are true?
I. The means of S1 and S2 are equal.
II. The inter-quartile range of S1 and S2 are equal.
III. The standard deviation of S1 and S2 are equal.
A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only

P.68
[Ref to: HKDSE 2023 Paper 2 Q44]

15. The table below shows the scores (in marks) and the corresponding standard scores of three students in a test.
Score (marks) 50 x 74
Standard score –2 3 4
Find x.
A. 58
B. 62
C. 66
D. 70

[Ref to: HKDSE 2023 Paper 2 Q45]

16. It is given that k is an integer. Let s, m and r be the standard deviation, the median and the range of the group of
numbers {4 – 9k, 8 – 9k, 10 – 9k, 12 – 9k, 16 – 9k} respectively. Which of the following must be true?
I. s=4
II. m = 10
III. r > 10
A. I and II only
B. I and III only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

P.69
 HKDSE focus
Name:___________________( ) Class:__________ Date:______________
1. The standard deviation of the distribution 4. Inter-quartile range
 1.178 511 302 = 250 – 110
= 1.18, cor. to 2 d.p. = 140
∴ The answer is B. ∴ The answer is B.

2. Minimum value = 19 5. The lower quartile is 25.

Q1 = 31 ∴ The answer is B.
Q2 = 35
Q3 = 41 6.
1  2  4  8  10  12  13  m  n
=6
9
Maximum value = 52
m+n=4
Since m and n are positive integers, there are 3
cases.
19 31 35 41 52
Case 1: When m = 1 and n = 3,
∴ The answer is C.
the data are 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 12 and
13.
3. ∵ The range is at least 32 hours. Mode = a = 1
∴ (40 + b) – (10 + a) ≥ 32 Median = b = 4
b–a≥2 Range = c = 13 – 1 = 12
For I: Case 2: When m = 2 and n = 2,
From the diagram, 0 ≤ a ≤ 3. the data are 1, 2, 2, 2, 4, 8, 10, 12 and
∴ I must be true. 13.
For II: Mode = a = 2
From the diagram, 0 ≤ b ≤ 9. Median = b = 4
Since b – a ≥ 2 and the least possible value of a Range = c = 13 – 1 = 12
is 0, we have b ≥ 2. Case 3: When m = 3 and n = 1,
∴2 ≤ b ≤9 which is the same as case 1.
∴ II may not be true. ∴ II and III must be true.
For III:
∴ The answer is D.
Since the least possible value of a is 0 and the
greatest possible value of b is 9, the greatest
possible value of 7. ∵ The inter-quartile range is at most 14.
b – a is 9. ∴ (40 + b) – (20 + a) ≤ 14
∴ III may not be true. a–b≥6
∴ The answer is A. For I:
From the diagram, 0 ≤ a ≤ 9.
Since a – b ≥ 6 and the least possible value of b
is 0, we
have a ≥ 6.
P.70
 ∴6 ≤ a ≤9 Case 1: m ≤ 4 and n ≤ 4
∴ I must be true. The median is 4.
For II: Case 2: m ≤ 4 and n ≥ 4
From the diagram, 0 ≤ b ≤ 9. The median is 4.
∴ II must be true. Case 3: m ≥ 4 and n ≥ 4

For III: The median is 4.

∴ III must be true.
Since the least possible value of b is 0 and the
greatest possible value of a is 9, the greatest ∴ The answer is D.
possible value of
a – b is 9. 11. 1 2  3  3 a  a  a  b
=3
8
∴ III may not be true.
3a + b = 15
∴ The answer is A.
b = 15 – 3a
∵b>0
8. The mean cannot be obtained from any box-
and-whisker ∴ 15 – 3a > 0

diagram. a<5
∴ The answer is C. When a < 3, the integers are 1, 2, a, a, a, 3, 3,
and b.
Then the median ≠ 3.
9. Inter-quartile range
Thus, a = 3 or 4.
=4–3
When a = 3, b = 6.
=1
The integers are 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3 and 6.
∴ The answer is A.
The mode = 3
The range = 6 – 1 = 5
10. For I:
The variance = 1.75
Since m and n are unknowns, the mean cannot
be When a = 4, b = 3.

obtained. The integers are 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4 and 4.

∴ I may not be true. The mode = 3 and 4

The range = 4 – 1 = 3
For II:
The variance = 1
Since the range of all integers is 5, we have 2
cases. ∴ Only II must be true.
Case 1: m = 1 and 1 ≤ n ≤ 6 ∴ The answer is B.
The mode is 4.
Case 2: 2 ≤ m ≤ 6 and n = 7 Section B
The mode is 4.
∴ II must be true. 1. The variance of the required four numbers
For III: = 3  22
We have 3 cases. = 12

P.71
 ∴ The answer is D. 45  57
= –4


=3
2. Let  marks and  marks be the mean and the
∴ The standard deviation of the scores is 3
standard deviation of the test scores marks.
respectively.
∴ The answer is B.
 65  
   2.5

 53    3.5 6. For I:
 

Solving, we have  = 60 and  = 2. New mean = original mean  5

∴ The answer is D. ∴ m2 = 5m1

∴ I must be true.

3. For I: For II:

The upper quartile of the distribution New inter-quartile range

68  70 = original inter-quartile range  5
= marks
2 ∴ q2 = 5q1
= 69 marks ∴ II must be true.
∴ I is not true.
For III:
For II:
New variance = original variance  52
The standard deviation
∴ v2 = 52  v1 = 25v1
 7.956 758 134 marks
∴ III is not true.
< 8 marks
∴ The answer is A.
∴ II is true.
For III:
7. Let  marks be the standard deviation of the
The mean = 62.3 marks scores.
The standard score of Ben 52  64
= –1.5
74  62.3 

7.956 758 134 =8
 1.470 448 115 The standard score of Mary
< 1.5 60  64
=
∴ III is not true. 8

∴ The answer is B. = –0.5

∴ The answer is B.

4. The variance of the new set of numbers

= 7  32
= 63
∴ The answer is D.

5. Let  marks be the standard deviation of the

scores.
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8. Let  marks be the mean of the scores. ∴ The standard deviation of the test scores is
61   7 marks.
= 0.5
6
∴ The answer is B.
 = 58
Let x marks be the examination score of Tim.
x  58
= –2.5
6

x = 43
∴ The examination score of Tim is 43 marks.
∴ The answer is A.

9. For I:
The median of the new set of numbers
= 4m – 3
∴ I is true.
For II:
The range of the new set of numbers
= 4r
∴ II is not true.
For III:
The variance of the new set of numbers
= 42  v
= 16v
∴ III is not true.
∴ The answer is A.

10. Let x marks be the lower score of the two

students,
then the score of the other student is (x + 28)
marks.
Let  marks and  marks be the mean and the
standard deviation of the test scores
respectively.
( x  28)   x
 =4
 
x  28    x  
=4

28
=4


=7

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11. The required variance = 1.2( s  m)
1.2
= the variance of 1, 3, 7, 9, 13 and 15
sm
=
= 25 
∴ The answer is C. = –3
∴ The answer is D.
12. Let  marks be the standard deviation of the
scores.
40  55
= –3


=5
Let x marks be the examination score of the
girl.
x  55
=4
5

x = 75
∴ The examination score of the girl is 75
marks.
∴ The answer is D.

13. x = 35(1 + 20%) + 8

= 50
Let s marks be the score of the student before
the
score adjustment, while  marks and 
marks be the
mean and the standard deviation of the
test scores before
the score adjustment.
s
= –3

After the score adjustment,
new score of the student = s(1 + 20%) + 8
= 1.2s + 8
new mean of the test scores =  (1 + 20%) + 8
= 1.2 + 8
new standard deviation of the test scores
=  (1 + 20%)
= 1.2
(1.2 s  8)  (1.2  8)
z=
1.2

P.74
14. For I:  50  
   2
The mean of S1 
 74    4
( x  3)  ( x  1)  x  ( x  2)  ( x  3)  ( x  5)  
=
6

=x+1
The mean of S2
( x  4)  ( x  2)  ( x  1)  ( x  1)  ( x  2)  ( x  4)
=
6

=x
∴ I is not true.
For II:
The inter-quartile range of S1
= (x + 3) – (x – 1)
=4
The inter-quartile range of S2
= (x + 2) – (x – 2)
=4
∴ II is true.
For III:
The standard deviation of S1
[ x  3  ( x  1)]2  [ x  1  ( x  1)]2  [ x  ( x  1)]2 
[ x  2  ( x  1)]2  [ x  3  ( x  1)]2  [ x  5  ( x  1)]2
=
6

( 4) 2 (2) 2  (1)2  12  22  42

=
6

= 7

The standard deviation of S2

( x  4  x) 2  ( x  2  x ) 2  ( x  1  x ) 2 
( x  1  x )2  ( x  2  x )2  ( x  4  x)2
=
6

(4) 2  (2) 2  ( 1) 2  12  22  42

=
6

= 7

∴ III is true.
∴ The answer is D.

15. Let  marks and  marks be the mean and the

standard deviation of the test scores
respectively.

P.75
 Solving, we have  = 58 and  = 4. For II:
x  58
=3 m = 10 – 9k
4
Since k can be any integer, m may not be equal
x = 70 to 10.
∴ The answer is D. ∴ II may not be true.
For III:
16. For I: r = (16 – 9k) – (4 – 9k)
The required standard deviation = 12
= the standard deviation of {4, 8, 10, 12, 16} > 10
=4 ∴ III must be true.
∴ I must be true. ∴ The answer is B.

P.76