Stem and Leaf Diagrams - Drawing

Most topics in your GCSE Maths are quite straight forward and simply require you to follow set rules. Stem and Leaf questions are an example of this type of question.

You will be given a set of data.

Question
The ages of 12 music shop customers are recorded below.

28    17    21    23    18    17    31    23    24    17    21    26


Draw an ordered Stem and Leaf Diagram for these data.

The question helps you remember that data in a Stem and Leaf diagram needs to be ordered, so start by writing out the data in order (lowest to highest):

17    17    17    18    21    21    23    23    24    26    28   31

Then you put the digit from the tens (1, 2, 3) on the left, draw a vertical line, and fill in the rest of the diagram, as shown below.  1  |  7 7 7 8

(1  |  7 7 7 8 represents 17, 17, 17, 18, and so on)

The Stem and Leaf diagram is not complete without a key. A key is simply an explanation of what the data means in your diagram. For example:

Key:    1 | 7 = 17


Remember:
- Order the data in your diagram
- Include a key

What's next?
How to work out mode, median, mean and range from your Stem and Leaf diagram. 

Top Tip: It's much easier to tackle these types of questions if the rules come naturally to you. It's important to practice questions enough so that you know exactly what to do without having to look it up in your notes.

Don't hesitate to leave comments on the blog, or email mathshints@gmail.com with more questions on this or any topic.

MH