Interpret stem-and-leaf plots

Learning Objectives Identify and define the components of a stem-and-leaf plot (stem, leaf, key). Read and list all individual data values represented in a stem-and-leaf plot. Determine the minimum, maximum, and range of a data set from a stem-and-leaf plot. Find the mode and median of a data set directly from an ordered stem-and-leaf plot. Describe the general shape and distribution of data presented in a stem-and-leaf plot. Compare two data sets using back-to-back stem-and-leaf plots (implicitly through understanding individual plots). Ever wonder how to quickly see patterns and specific numbers in a list of data without drawing a complicated graph? 🤔 Stem-and-leaf plots are a clever way to organize data that lets you do just that! In this tutorial, you'll learn how...

TermDefinitionExample Stem-and-Leaf PlotA method of organizing numerical data in which each data value is split into a 'stem' (the leading digit(s)) and a 'leaf' (the trailing digit). It's like a hybrid of a table and a bar graph, showing both individual data points and the overall distribution.A plot showing `2 | 5` and a key `2 | 5 = 25` represents the number 25. StemThe leading digit or digits of a data value in a stem-and-leaf plot. Stems are listed in a column on the left side of the vertical line.In the data value 47, the stem is 4. In the data value 123, the stem could be 12 (if leaves are single digits). LeafThe trailing digit of a data value in a stem-and-leaf plot. Leaves are listed in rows to the right of their corresponding stem, typically in ascending...

Reading Individual Data Values Combine the stem with each leaf to form a complete data value, following the pattern set by the key. To read any number from the plot, take a stem from the left column and combine it with one of its leaves from the right column. Always refer to the key to understand the place value. Using the Key Correctly The key defines the value of each stem-leaf pair. Always check the key before interpreting any numbers. The key is crucial for understanding the magnitude of the numbers. For example, `1 | 2 = 12` is different from `1 | 2 = 1.2` or `1 | 2 = 120`. Misinterpreting the key leads to incorrect data analysis. Finding Median and Mode from an Ordered Plot For the median, count inward from both ends of the ordered leaves until you reach the midd...