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Writing Assignment I MAT181
DUE (Midterm Exam Day)
For each Chapter, answer each question in your own words using no more than 2-3
properly constructed sentences (correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.). Be sure to
include support for any “choice” answers. Use declarative sentences, citing factual
information based on definitions, procedures, etc.
Chapter 1
1. Explain the difference between a population and a sample (from a
statistical point of view). (4pts)
2. Explain the difference between quantitative variable
and qualitative variable. (4pts)
3. Explain the difference between descriptive statistics
and inferential statistics. (4pts)
Chapter 2
1. For a dataset, without constructing of the frequency distribution table;
how to obtain the class width of frequency distribution table if the
number of classes is given? (2pts)
Note: Use the formula in the slides; here frequency distribution table is
not provided.
2. Explain the difference between a frequency distribution table and a
relative frequency distribution table (4pts)
Chapter 3
1. Explain the difference between mean and median. Is mean always
larger than median? (4pts)
2. Explain the difference between μ and x . How do you determine
which is appropriate to use in a problem? (4pts)
3. Explain the difference between σ and s. How do you determine which
is appropriate to use in a problem? (4pts)
4. What is the relationship between variance and standard deviation?
(2pts)
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5. Explain the difference between range and interquartile range. (4pts)
6. Explain what the coefficient of variation is. What is the advantage of
using it compared to standard deviation? (4pts)
Chapter 4
1. Explain the meaning of “Event with equally likely outcomes”. (4pts)
2. Explain the difference between joint(nonexclusive) events and
disjoint(mutually exclusive) events. (4pts)
3. Explain the difference between P(A) and P(A|B). What does it mean
if they are equal in value? What does it mean if they are unequal in
value? (4pts)
4. Explain the difference between P(A|B) and P(B|A). Must they be
equal in value? (4pts)
5. Explain the difference between Permutation and Combination. (4pts)
Chapter 5
1. Explain what a discrete random variable is. List examples.(4pts)
2. What are the requirements for a discrete probability distribution?
(4pts)
3. Explain what binomial probability distribution is.
Hint: list requirements in slides.(4pts)
Chapter 6
1. Explain what a continuous random variable is. List examples. (4pts)
2. Explain some basic characteristics of Normal Distribution. (4pts)
3. What is the standard Normal Distribution? (2pts)
4. Explain the difference between a raw score (x value) and a standard
score(z value). (4pts)
5. How to convert a raw score to a standard score; and how to convert a
standard score to a raw score? (4pts)
