1-Hour Mathematics Demo Lesson
Topic: Statistics
Grade: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level
Subtopics: Collecting Data, Types of Data, Tables, Charts, Graphs, Mean, Median,
Mode, Range, Quartiles and IQR
Lesson Objective
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
• Identify different types of data.
• Organise data into frequency tables.
• Draw and interpret bar charts, pie charts, histograms, frequency polygons, stem-and-leaf dia-
grams, scatter graphs, cumulative frequency graphs, and box plots.
• Calculate mean, median, mode, range, quartiles, and interquartile range.
• Solve medium to very difficult past paper style statistics questions.
Time Management
Time Activity
0–10 min Basics, formulas, vocabulary, common mistakes
10–25 min Medium past paper style questions
25–40 min Advanced past paper style questions
40–52 min Difficult and A* level questions
52–57 min Final assignment question
57–60 min Recap, exit ticket, homework
0–10 Minutes: Basic Introduction
Teacher Delivery
Today we are studying Statistics. Statistics is the part of mathematics where we collect, organise,
display, and analyse data. In exams, statistics questions usually test whether you can read
information carefully, choose the correct method, and show clear working.
What Teacher Writes on Board
Statistics means collecting, organising, representing, and interpreting data.
1
Types of Data
Type Meaning Example
Qualitative Non-numerical data Colour, gender, type of car
Quantitative Numerical data Height, age, marks
Discrete Counted values Number of students
Continuous Measured values Time, mass, height
Important Formulae
sum of values
Mean =
number of values
Range = highest value − lowest value
frequency
Pie chart angle = × 360◦
total frequency
frequency
Frequency density =
class width
IQR = Q3 − Q1
Common Exam Mistakes
• Using frequency instead of frequency density in histograms.
• Forgetting to order data before finding the median.
• Using bar charts for continuous grouped data.
• Reading quartiles inaccurately from cumulative frequency graphs.
• Forgetting to include a key in stem-and-leaf diagrams.
Level 1: Medium Past Paper Style Questions
Question 1: Types of Data
A survey records the following information about students:
1. Favourite subject
2. Height
3. Number of siblings
4. Time taken to run 100 m
Classify each as qualitative, discrete quantitative, or continuous quantitative.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
2
Solution
Teacher Delivery
First ask: is it a number or a category?
Favourite subject is not numerical.
Qualitative
Height is measured.
Continuous quantitative
Number of siblings is counted.
Discrete quantitative
Time is measured.
Continuous quantitative
Exam Tip
Use “counted” for discrete and “measured” for continuous.
Question 2: Mean, Median, Mode and Range
The marks of 8 students are:
12, 15, 18, 15, 20, 14, 16, 18
Find the mean, median, mode, and range.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Sum = 12 + 15 + 18 + 15 + 20 + 14 + 16 + 18 = 128
128
Mean = = 16
8
Order the data:
12, 14, 15, 15, 16, 18, 18, 20
There are 8 values, so the median is the average of the 4th and 5th values.
15 + 16
Median = = 15.5
2
3
The values 15 and 18 both appear twice.
Mode = 15 and 18
Range = 20 − 12 = 8
Final Answer
Mean = 16, Median = 15.5, Mode = 15, 18, Range = 8
Question 3: Frequency Table
The number of books read by 12 students is:
2, 3, 1, 4, 2, 3, 5, 3, 2, 1, 4, 2
Complete a frequency table.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Books Frequency
1 2
2 4
3 3
4 2
5 1
Check:
2 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 12
Total frequency = 12
Question 4: Pie Chart Angles
A class of 30 students chooses favourite sports.
Sport Frequency
Cricket 12
Football 9
Tennis 6
Hockey 3
Calculate the angle for each sector in a pie chart.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
4
Solution
frequency
Angle = × 360◦
30
12
Cricket = × 360 = 144◦
30
9
Football = × 360 = 108◦
30
6
Tennis = × 360 = 72◦
30
3
Hockey = × 360 = 36◦
30
144 + 108 + 72 + 36 = 360◦
Final Answer
144◦ , 108◦ , 72◦ , 36◦
Question 5: Stem-and-Leaf Diagram
The ages of 10 people are:
21, 24, 26, 31, 33, 35, 36, 42, 44, 49
Draw a stem-and-leaf diagram.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Stem Leaf
2 1 4 6
3 1 3 5 6
4 2 4 9
Key:
2|1 = 21
Stem-and-leaf diagram completed
5
Level 2: Advanced Past Paper Style Questions
Question 6: Mean from Frequency Table
The table shows the number of goals scored by a football team.
Goals Frequency
0 3
1 5
2 7
3 4
4 1
Find the mean number of goals.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Goals x Frequency f fx
0 3 0
1 5 5
2 7 14
3 4 12
4 1 4
X
f = 3 + 5 + 7 + 4 + 1 = 20
X
f x = 0 + 5 + 14 + 12 + 4 = 35
P
fx 35
Mean = P = = 1.75
f 20
Mean = 1.75
Question 7: Grouped Frequency Mean Estimate
The table shows the time taken by students to complete a puzzle.
Time t minutes Frequency
0 < t ≤ 10 4
10 < t ≤ 20 7
20 < t ≤ 30 6
30 < t ≤ 40 3
Estimate the mean time.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
6
Solution
Class Midpoint x Frequency f fx
0–10 5 4 20
10–20 15 7 105
20–30 25 6 150
30–40 35 3 105
X
f = 20
X
f x = 20 + 105 + 150 + 105 = 380
380
Estimated mean = = 19
20
19 minutes
Question 8: Histogram Frequency Density
The table shows masses of parcels.
Mass m kg Frequency
0<m≤5 10
5 < m ≤ 15 20
15 < m ≤ 25 15
25 < m ≤ 45 10
Find the frequency density for each class.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
frequency
Frequency density =
class width
Class Width Frequency Density
0–5 5 10 2
5–15 10 20 2
15–25 10 15 1.5
25–45 20 10 0.5
2, 2, 1.5, 0.5
Question 9: Scatter Graph Interpretation
A scatter graph shows that as hours of revision increase, test scores increase.
Describe the correlation and explain what it means.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
7
Solution
As one variable increases, the other also increases.
Positive correlation
This means:
Students who revise more hours tend to get higher test scores.
Exam Tip
Correlation shows a relationship, but it does not prove definite causation.
Question 10: Cumulative Frequency Table
The table shows test scores.
Score Frequency
0 < x ≤ 20 5
20 < x ≤ 40 9
40 < x ≤ 60 12
60 < x ≤ 80 10
80 < x ≤ 100 4
Complete the cumulative frequency column.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Score Frequency Cumulative Frequency
0 < x ≤ 20 5 5
20 < x ≤ 40 9 14
40 < x ≤ 60 12 26
60 < x ≤ 80 10 36
80 < x ≤ 100 4 40
5, 14, 26, 36, 40
Level 3: Difficult Past Paper Style Questions
Question 11: Missing Value Using Mean
The mean of five numbers is 18.
Four numbers are:
12, 16, 20, 25
8
Find the missing number.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
total
18 =
5
total = 18 × 5 = 90
Known total:
12 + 16 + 20 + 25 = 73
Missing number:
90 − 73 = 17
17
Question 12: Median and Quartiles
The data below shows the number of minutes students spent reading:
4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 30
Find the median, lower quartile, upper quartile, and interquartile range.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
There are 9 values.
The median is the 5th value.
Median = 15
Lower half:
4, 8, 10, 12
8 + 10
Q1 = =9
2
Upper half:
18, 20, 24, 30
9
20 + 24
Q3 = = 22
2
IQR = Q3 − Q1 = 22 − 9 = 13
Q1 = 9, Q3 = 22, IQR = 13
Question 13: Box Plot Interpretation
A box plot has:
Minimum = 10, Q1 = 18, Median = 25, Q3 = 34, Maximum = 50
Find the range and interquartile range.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Range = 50 − 10 = 40
IQR = 34 − 18 = 16
Range = 40, IQR = 16
Question 14: Frequency Polygon
The grouped frequency table shows the heights of plants.
Height h cm Frequency
0–10 3
10–20 8
20–30 12
30–40 7
40–50 2
State the points needed to draw the frequency polygon.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Use class midpoints:
5, 15, 25, 35, 45
The points are:
10
(5, 3), (15, 8), (25, 12), (35, 7), (45, 2)
(5, 3), (15, 8), (25, 12), (35, 7), (45, 2)
Question 15: Error Detection
A student says:
The frequency density of the class 20 < x ≤ 50, frequency 60, is 60.
Explain the error and find the correct frequency density.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
The student used frequency as frequency density.
Class width:
50 − 20 = 30
Frequency density:
60
=2
30
Correct frequency density = 2
Level 4: Very Tough / A* Questions
Question 16: Combined Mean
Class A has 20 students with a mean mark of 64.
Class B has 30 students with a mean mark of 72.
Find the combined mean mark.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Class A total:
20 × 64 = 1280
Class B total:
30 × 72 = 2160
11
Combined total:
1280 + 2160 = 3440
Total students:
20 + 30 = 50
Combined mean:
3440
= 68.8
50
68.8
Exam Tip
Do not average the two means directly unless both groups have the same number of values.
Question 17: Reverse Pie Chart
In a pie chart, the angle for students who walk to school is 96◦ .
There are 120 students in total.
Find how many students walk to school.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
96
× 120
360
96 4
=
360 15
4
× 120 = 32
15
32 students
Question 18: Histogram Missing Frequency
A histogram has a class interval 10 < x ≤ 25.
Its frequency density is 4.
Find the frequency.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
12
Solution
Frequency = frequency density × class width
Class width:
25 − 10 = 15
Frequency:
4 × 15 = 60
60
Question 19: Cumulative Frequency and Quartiles
There are 80 students in a school survey.
From a cumulative frequency graph:
Q1 = 22, Median = 35, Q3 = 48
Find the interquartile range and explain what the median means.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
IQR = Q3 − Q1
IQR = 48 − 22 = 26
IQR = 26
The median is 35. This means about half the students have values below 35 and half have values above
35.
Median = 35
Question 20: Scatter Graph Prediction
A line of best fit on a scatter graph passes approximately through:
(2, 30) and (6, 70)
Estimate the score when revision time is 5 hours.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
13
Solution
Gradient:
70 − 30 40
= = 10
6−2 4
The score increases by 10 for each extra hour.
Using point (2, 30), 5 hours is 3 hours more than 2 hours.
30 + 3(10) = 60
60
Final Assignment Question
A teacher records the time taken by 60 students to complete a test.
Time t minutes Frequency
0 < t ≤ 10 4
10 < t ≤ 20 11
20 < t ≤ 30 18
30 < t ≤ 40 15
40 < t ≤ 60 12
a) Complete the cumulative frequency table.
b) Estimate the mean time.
c) Find the frequency density for each class.
d) State which class contains the median.
e) Explain one mistake a student might make when drawing the histogram.
Past Paper Style Source: IGCSE / GCSE / O Level Inspired
Solution
Part a: Cumulative Frequency
Time Frequency Cumulative Frequency
0 < t ≤ 10 4 4
10 < t ≤ 20 11 15
20 < t ≤ 30 18 33
30 < t ≤ 40 15 48
40 < t ≤ 60 12 60
4, 15, 33, 48, 60
14
Part b: Estimated Mean
Class Midpoint Frequency fx
0–10 5 4 20
10–20 15 11 165
20–30 25 18 450
30–40 35 15 525
40–60 50 12 600
X
f x = 20 + 165 + 450 + 525 + 600 = 1760
X
f = 60
1760
Mean = = 29.33
60
29.3 minutes
Part c: Frequency Density
frequency
Frequency density =
class width
Class Width Frequency Density
0–10 10 4 0.4
10–20 10 11 1.1
20–30 10 18 1.8
30–40 10 15 1.5
40–60 20 12 0.6
0.4, 1.1, 1.8, 1.5, 0.6
Part d: Median Class
There are 60 students.
60
= 30
2
The 30th value lies in the class where cumulative frequency first passes 30.
4, 15, 33, 48, 60
So the median class is:
20 < t ≤ 30
15
Part e: Histogram Mistake
A common mistake is drawing bar heights equal to frequency instead of frequency density.
Histogram height must represent frequency density when class widths are unequal.
Marking Scheme
Part Marks
Cumulative frequency 2
Midpoints and f x 2
Estimated mean 2
Frequency densities 3
Median class 2
Histogram mistake explanation 1
Total 12
Quick Revision Summary
Key Concepts
Statistics helps us collect, organise, display, and interpret data.
Important Formulae
total
Mean =
number of values
P
fx
Estimated mean = P
f
Range = highest − lowest
IQR = Q3 − Q1
frequency
Pie chart angle = × 360◦
total
frequency
Frequency density =
class width
Exam Tricks
• Always order data before finding median and quartiles.
• For grouped mean, use midpoints.
• For histograms, use frequency density.
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• For pie charts, total angle is always 360◦ .
• For cumulative frequency, keep adding.
• For box plots, remember the five-number summary:
Minimum, Q1 , Median, Q3 , Maximum
Exit Ticket: 5 Quick Questions
Question 1
Find the range of:
5, 9, 12, 18, 21
21 − 5 = 16
16
Question 2
The mean of 4 numbers is 10. Find their total.
10 × 4 = 40
40
Question 3
Find the pie chart angle for frequency 8 out of total 40.
8
× 360 = 72◦
40
72◦
Question 4
A class has frequency 24 and width 6. Find frequency density.
24
=4
6
17
Question 5
If Q1 = 15 and Q3 = 42, find the IQR.
42 − 15 = 27
27
Homework Questions
Homework 1
The numbers are:
3, 7, 7, 9, 12, 15
Find the mean, median, mode, and range.
53
Mean = = 8.83
6
7+9
Median = =8
2
Mode = 7
Range = 15 − 3 = 12
Homework 2
A pie chart represents 50 students. 18 students choose Maths. Find the angle for Maths.
18
× 360 = 129.6◦
50
129.6◦
Homework 3
A grouped table has class 20 < x ≤ 50 with frequency 45. Find the frequency density.
Width = 50 − 20 = 30
45
= 1.5
30
1.5
18
Homework 4
The cumulative frequencies are:
6, 14, 29, 40
Find the total frequency.
40
Homework 5
A box plot has:
Minimum = 8, Q1 = 15, Median = 22, Q3 = 31, Maximum = 45
Find the range and IQR.
Range = 45 − 8 = 37
IQR = 31 − 15 = 16
Range = 37, IQR = 16
Closing Teacher Line
Teacher Delivery
Today we covered the full statistics toolkit used in IGCSE, GCSE, and O Level exams. The key
is not memorising blindly, but recognising the question type: average, spread, chart, histogram,
cumulative frequency, box plot, or interpretation. Once you identify the type, the method
becomes clear.
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