Comparing distributions

Sample Comparing distributions questions

A few of the 37 questions, from easier to harder. Choose your exam board and tier to practise them, with every answer marked.

1. Question 13 marksGrade 4-6
   Two groups of runners recorded their times (in minutes) to complete a fun run:

   Class 10A	Class 10B
   17	10
   18	14
   20	20
   21	23
   25	25
   27	32
   29	37

   Find the range of times for each group, and state which group's times were more consistent.
   Show the worked solution

What are the common mistakes in Comparing distributions?

When a pupil makes one of these on Revision Workshop, the marking engine names the mistake and explains it, instead of just marking the answer wrong.

• Calls a distribution with a larger range more consistent, reversing what range indicates

  Picked the group with the larger range as 'more consistent', when a smaller range means less spread and more consistency

• Judges consistency by comparing medians rather than spread (range or IQR)

  Assumed the group with the higher median must also be the more consistent (smaller spread) group - median and spread are independent properties

• Treats a larger interquartile range as indicating more consistent data, reversing the correct rule that a smaller IQR means more consistent data

  Selects Class 10A as more consistent because it has the larger IQR (12 vs 11), reversing the rule that a smaller IQR means less spread and so more consistent data.

Quick answers about Comparing distributions

How many Comparing distributions practice questions are there?

There are 37 self-marking GCSE Maths questions on Comparing distributions, written for AQA, Pearson, OCR across Foundation and Higher tier. Each one is marked instantly and has a full worked solution.

Do I need an account to practise Comparing distributions?

No. You can start practising Comparing distributions straight away without an account. A free account keeps your results across sessions, so you can see your progress on this topic over time.