2. Describing Data with Tables and Graphs
Frequency Distributions
3:45 minutesProblem 2.c.1
Textbook Question
In Exercises 1–5, use the data listed in the margin, which are magnitudes (Richter scale) and depths (km) of earthquakes from Data Set 24 “Earthquakes” in Appendix B
Frequency Distribution Construct a frequency distribution of the magnitudes. Use a class width of 0.50 and use a starting value of 1.00.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the range of magnitudes in the dataset. Look at the smallest and largest values in the 'Magnitude' column from the table provided. This will help determine the number of classes needed for the frequency distribution.
Step 2: Determine the class width. The problem specifies a class width of 0.50, and the starting value is 1.00. Create intervals starting from 1.00, such as [1.00–1.50), [1.50–2.00), [2.00–2.50), and so on, until the largest magnitude is covered.
Step 3: Count the number of magnitudes that fall into each interval. For each interval, go through the 'Magnitude' column and tally how many values fall within that range. Ensure that the intervals are non-overlapping and exhaustive.
Step 4: Construct the frequency distribution table. Create a table with two columns: one for the intervals (e.g., [1.00–1.50), [1.50–2.00), etc.) and another for the frequency (the count of magnitudes in each interval).
Step 5: Verify the frequency distribution. Ensure that the sum of the frequencies equals the total number of magnitudes in the dataset. This confirms that all data points have been accounted for.
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