Data Handling and Statistics

Data handling and statistics questions appear on both stages of the SET 11+ maths papers. You will need to read and interpret tables, charts, and graphs, and calculate averages (mean, median, mode, and range). On Stage 2, you must show your working when calculating averages. This lesson covers all the skills you need.

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Types of Charts and Graphs

Type	Best for
Bar chart	Comparing categories
Pie chart	Showing proportions of a whole
Line graph	Showing change over time
Pictogram	Simple comparisons using pictures
Tally chart	Recording data during collection

SET Tip: Read the title, axis labels, and scale before answering any questions about a chart.

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Reading Charts and Tables

When reading any chart or table:

1. Read the title — what does this chart show?
2. Check the axes — what do the x-axis and y-axis represent?
3. Check the scale — does each square represent 1, 2, 5, 10, or something else?
4. Read carefully — some questions ask for the difference between two values, not just a single value.