ABSTRACT
Statistics is concerned with the collection, representation and interpretation of numerical data. The use of statistical diagrams allows complex numerical information to be conveyed in a manner that is easy to read and interpret. Pie graphs can be more difficult to construct since they require the measurement of angles. Teachers can assist by providing pre-prepared circles, allowing calculators to be used for calculations and/or the use of polar graph paper. Line graphs are appropriate when the independent variable is continuous, such as measuring the height of a plant as it grows over time. In these instances, time is the independent variable and the other variable is the dependent variable. A scatter graph shows the relationship between two numerical variables. Scatter graphs can be used with discrete or continuous numerical variables. There are three common ways of determining an average value: the mean, the mode and the median. Collectively the mean, mode and median are known as measures of central tendency.
