A Calculator can Come in Handy

Since my math class has been about statistics for the past few weeks, my whole class participated in an activity to test our knowledge. Our activity was to list the total dollars spent this semester for textbooks. Each student would write it on the white board and I was surprised on the variation. One student asked, ¨I didn't buy any, do I still go up?¨ It is very important to consider each data point in order to have an accurate sample even if the data entry is 0.

We then had to find the mean, standard deviation, median, mode, the lowest money spent, and the highest money spent. Luckily, calculators can also calculate these statistics. We all used the calculators and ended up having $243.86 as the average amount spent, but the standard deviation is $136.53. Since the standard deviation is pretty high the data varied greatly, meaning it may be best to look at either mode or median. In the end, the median was $225 and $350 for the mode. If we wanted to find an accurate sample, we would have to find more Mesa Community College students to participate. If you want to know how to calculate them in the calculator here is a link that gives you directions and meanings.