3

STATISTICS

Statistics is the science of collection, classification, tabulation, analysis and

interpretation of numerical data. Measures of central tendency give a birds eye view
of the huge mass of statistical data. Measures of dispersion give an idea about the
homogeneity or hetrogeneity of the distribution.
You are already familiar with
* Collection of data and preparing frequency distribution table for a given set of scores.
*

Computation of the measures of central tendency namely arithmetic mean, median

and mode for both ungrouped and grouped data.

Determination of the measures of dispersion such as the range, quartile deviation

and mean deviation for given distribution.

This chapter deals with the measures of dispersion namely the standard deviation
and co-efficient of variation.
After learning this chapter you will be able to :
* Compute the measure standard deviation for both ungrouped and grouped data.
* Determine the relative measure co-efficient of variation and understand the variability.
* Interpret the data based on these statistical measures.
Dispersion refers to the variability in the size of items of the distribution. The degree
to which numerical data tend to spread about an average value, is the variation or
dispersion of the data.
The measures of dispersion, which are in common use are : (i) Range (ii) Quartile
Deviation (iii) Mean Deviation and (iv) Standard Deviation.
We have already discussed about the measures of dispersion such as range, quartile
deviation and mean deviation. Besides these measures of dispersion, Standard Deviation
is an ideal measure of dispersion.
1. Standard Deviation :
Statistical data is the set of observations of characteristics of individuals as age,
height, weight, income, marks scored etc., These characteristics are generally called
variables. The values of variables may be close to the arithmetical average or scattered
away from the average. The values vary from the mean and the measure of such variation
is called the Variance of the distribution.
The square root of Variance is the Standard Deviation of the distribution.
77

2. Standard Deviation for an Ungrouped Data

Model 1 : Calculation of variance and standard Deviation in a series of individual
observations.
X be the variable given by X : x1, x2 x3 .... xn
N : The number of items
X : The Arithmetic Mean
D : Deviation from the Arithmetic Mean = (X X )
The Variance of the distribution is given by
2
Symbolically Variance is denoted by =

Variance =

1
D2
N

1
D 2 . As the Standard Deviation
N

is the square root of Variance of the distribution.

S.D = = Variance
S.D =

D2
N

The Standard Deviation is conventionally represented by the Greek

letter Sigma :
Standard Deviation is the square root of the arithmetic average of
the squares of the deviations from the mean.
Working Rule :
When individual observations are given.
1)

The arithmetic mean is computed.

2)

The deviations of the individual scores from the arithmetic mean are obtained.

3)

The squares of the deviations are calculated.

4)

The sum of the squared deviations is divided by the number of observations.

5)

This value is the Variance.

6)

The positive square root of Variance is the standard deviation.

78

Worked Examples :
1) Calculate the Variance and Standard Deviation of the following 10 scores.
14, 16, 21, 9, 16, 17, 14, 12, 11 and 20. Also interpret the results.
Table of calculation
Scores

Deviation

Square of

(D = X X )

the deviation D2

14
16
21
9
16
17
14
12
11
20
X =150

-1
+1
+6
-6
+1
+2
-1
-3
-4
+5

1
1
36
36
1
4
1
9
16
25
D 2 = 130

Solution : The number of observations = N = 10

(i)
Find the arithmetic mean by using
Mean = X =

X
N

150
10
The average score = 15

(ii)

(iii)

Arithmetic Mean = 15

Find the variance by using

Variance

1
D2
N

1
(130) = 13
10

Variance = 13

Find the standard deviation by using

S.D =

Variance
13 = 3.6

S.D. of the scores = 3.6

On an average, the individual scores deviate from the arithmetic mean by 3.6
79

2) The runs scored by a batsman in eight innings are given as 35, 42, 23, 34, 39,
36, 32 and 31 Find (i) the average score and (ii) the standard deviation of scores.
How do you interpret the results?
Solution : The number of individual observations = N = 8
Table of calculation
Deviation
Square of

Scores
X

(D = X X )

35
42
23
34
39
36
32
31

+1
+8
11
0
+5
+2
-2
-3

1
64
121
0
25
4
4
9
D 2 = 228

X = 272

i)

Arithmetic Mean = X =
=

ii)

S.D =
=

the deviation D2

X
N

272
= 34
8

Arithmetic Mean = 34

D2
N
228
=
8

28.5 = 5.34

S.D. = 5.34

The average of runs scored by the batsman is 34 and on an average, the individual
scores deviate from the average score by 5.34 runs.
Alternate method
This method is used when the arithmetic mean ( X ) is not an integer.
Step 1 : Assume one of the scores as an assumed mean (A)
Step 2 : Find out the deviations from the assumed mean, D = (X-A)
Step 3 : Find out the sum of the deviations, D
Step 4 : Square the deviations and find out the sum of the squares of the deviations,
D2
Step 5 :

By using the formula, determine the standard deviation =

80

D2 D

N N

3) The marks obtained by 10 students in an examination are given as 43, 48, 55,
57, 42, 50, 47, 48, 58 and 50. Find (i) the Mean and (ii) the Standard deviation.
Interpret the results
Solution : The number of individual observations = N = 10. Let the assumed mean
A = 50
Table of calculation
Deviation
Square of

Scores
X
43
48
55
57
42
50
47
48
58
50
X = 498

i)

(D = X X )
-7
-2
+5
+7
-8
0
-3
-2
+8
0

D 2 = 268

D = -2

Arithmetic Mean = X =
=

the deviation D2
49
4
25
49
64
0
9
4
64
0

X
N

498
= 49.8
10

Arithmetic Mean = 49.8

The average of marks scored by 10 students is 49.8

ii)

S.D = =

D2 D

N
N

268 2

10 10

= 26.8 (0.2) 2 =
=

26.8 0.04

26.76 = 5.173

S.D = 5.173

The individual scores differ from the average score by 5.173 marks.
81

Model 2 : Calculation of Standard Deviation for a grouped data:

X be the variable and f be the frequency, then the distribution is given by
X

x1

x2

x3

...........

x n-1

xn

f1

f2

f3

...........

fn-1

fn

N = f = The sum of the frequencies

X = The Arithmetic Mean =

fX
N

D = Deviation from the arithmetic mean = (X X )

fD2
Variance of the distribution is given by
N
fD 2
Variance = =
N
2

Standard deviation of the distribution is given by

S.D. = =

fD2
N

Working Rule
To calculate the Variance and Standard Deviation
X

fX

Step 1: Determine the arithmetic mean X , by using the formula X =

or X =
N
N

Step 2: Calculate the values of deviations, using D = (X X ) for all the values of X.
Step 3: Square the values of D and obtain D2.
Step 4: Multiply the corresponding values of f and D2 and then determine fd 2
2
Step 5: Calculate =

fD 2
This gives the Variance of the distribution.
N

Step 6: Take the positive square root of the Variance =

This gives the standard deviation of the distribution.
82

fD2
N

4) Calculate (i) the arithmetic mean (ii) the standard deviation of the given distribution.
X

10

15

20

25

30

35

Table of calculation
Deviation
Square of
fX
D = (X X ) deviation D2

f.D2

Score
X

frequency
f

10

30

-11

121

363

15

120

-6

36

288

20

100

-1

25

225

+4

16

144

30

120

+9

81

324

35

35

+14

196

196

f =30

fX =630

f D2=1320

Solution : The sum of the frequencies = N = f = 30

i)

Arithmetic Mean = X =

fX
N

630
= 21
30

Arithmetic Mean = 21
The average score = 21
ii)

S.D = =

fD2
N

1320
30

44

= 6.63
S.D. = 6.63
83

5) Calculate (i) Arithmetic Mean (ii) Variance and (iii) Standard deviation of the following
distribution
X

2.5

3.5

4.5

5.5

6.5

10

Table of calculation
Deviation
Square of
fX
D = (X X ) deviation D2

f.D2

Score
X

frequency
f

2.5

10.0

-2.2

4.84

19.36

3.5

10.5

-1.2

1.44

4.32

4.5

22.5

-0.2

0.04

0.20

5.5

10

55.0

+0.8

0.64

6.40

6.5

19.5

+1.8

3.24

9.72

f =25

fX = 117.5

f D2=40.0

Solution : The sum of the frequencies = N = f = 25

i)

Arithmetic Mean = X =
=

X
N

117.5
= 4.5
25

Arithmetic Mean = 4.7

ii)

Variance

2
= =

fD 2
N

40
= 1.6
25

Variance = 1.6
iii)

S.D =
=

Variance
1.6

= 1.26

S.D = 1.26
84

Alternate method :
Step 1: Take any one of the values of X as an assumed average (A)
Step 2: Find out the deviations from the assumed average D = (X-A)
Step 3: Multiply the deviations by their respective frequencies and obtain the sum, f D
Step 4: Square the deviations (D2)
Step 5: Multiply the squared deviations by their respective frequencies and obtain fD2
Step 6: Compute Arithmetic Mean and Standard Deviation by using the formula,
Arithmetic Mean = X = A +
Standard Deviation = =

fD
N

fD 2 fD

N
N

6) Compute : (i) Arithmetic Mean and (ii) Standard Deviation for the following
distribution and interpret the results
Marks

35

40

45

50

55

Number of students

Solution : Choose the assumed mean A = 45

Table of calculation
Deviation
Square of
D = (X X ) deviation D2
-10
100

Score
X
35

frequency
f
2

40

-5

45

50
55

f.D

f.D2

-20

200

25

-20

100

+5

25

25

125

+10

100

10

100

fD = -5 fD2 = 525

N = 20

85

(i)

English : Given X = 56 and = 5.75

C.V = x 100
5.75
=
x 100
56

C.V. in English = 10.27

(ii)

Mathematics : Given X = 73 and = 6.25

C.V = x 100
6.25
=
x 100
73

C.V. in Mathematics = 8.56

(iii)

Science : Given X = 62 and = 6.0

C.V = x 100
6.0
= x 100
62

C.V. in science = 9.68

On comparison, the co-efficient of variation in mathematics is the least.
Hence the performance in Mathematics is more consistent.
12) The marks obtained by two candidates Asha and Bhanu in 5 tests are given below.
Test No.

Asha

58

65

58

64

55

Bhanu

66

60

60

76

68

(i)

Who is a better scorer? and (ii) Who is more consistent?

92

Solution :
Table of calculation

Scores
X
58
65
58
64
55
300

Asha
Deviation
from Mean

D2

D = (X X )
-2
+5
-2
+4
-5

Bhanu
Deviation
from Mean

4
25
4
16
25
74

66
60
60
76
68
330

D = (X X )
0
-6
-6
+10
+2

D2
0
36
36
100
4
176

(i) Asha :
The number of tests N = 5
Arithmetic Mean = X =

X
N

300
5

= 60
Standard Deviation = =

Arithmetic Mean = 60
D2
N

74
5 = 14.5

= 3.85

S.D = 3.85

x 100
X

Co-efficient of variation = CV =

3.85
=
x 100
60

= 6.42
93

C.V. of Asha = 6.42

The number of observations N = 5

(ii) Bhanu :

Arithmetic Mean = X =

X
N

330
5

Standard Deviation = =

Arithmetic Mean = 66

D2
N

176
5 = 35.2

S.D. = 5.93

Co-efficient of variation CV = X x 100

5.93
=
x 100
66

C.V. of Bhanu = 8.98

The average scores of Bhanu is higher than the average score of Asha. Hence
Bhanu is a better scorer.
The co-efficient of variation of Asha is less than the co-efficient of variation of
Bhanu. Hence Asha is more consistent.
13) Calculate the Standard Deviation and Co-efficient of variation for the following
distribution.
Marks (X)

10

20

30

40

50

Number of students (f)

Solution : The sum of the frequencies = N = 20

Scores
X
10
20
30
40
50

frequency
f
4
3
6
5
2

Table of calculation
Deviation
Square of
f.X.
from Mean the Deviation
40
60
180
200
100

D = (X X )
-19
-9
+1
+11
+21

N = 20 fX = 580

D2
361
81
1
121
441

f.D2
1444
243
6
605
882
fD2 = 3180

94

Arithmetic Mean = X =

i)

580
= 29
20

Arithmetic Mean = 29

f .D 2
N

S.D. = =

ii)

fX
N

3180
20

= 159 = 12.61
iii)

C.V

S.D. = 12.61

S.D
=
x 100
A.M

1261
12.61
=
x 100 =
= 43.48
29
29

C.V. = 43.48

14) The following frequency distribution shows the daily wages earned by 15 workers.
Wages (in Rs.)

30-40

40-50

50-60

60-70

70-80

No. of workers

Find i) Arithmetic Mean ii) Standard Deviation and iii) Co-efficient of variation
Solution :
Table of calculation :
Wages
in Rs.

frequency Mid point

f
X

Deviation
from Mean

fX

C.I
30-40
40-50
50-60
60-70
70-80

2
3
5
3
2
15

35
45
55
65
75

Square
of the

D = (X X ) deviation
D2
-20
400
-10
100
0
0
+10
100
+20
400

70
135
275
195
150
fx = 825
95

f.D2

800
300
0
300
800

fd 2 =2200

Observations: The sum of the frequencies = N = 15

f.X = 825
f.D2 = 2200
i)

Arithmetic Mean = X =

X
N

825
=
= 55
15

Arithmetic Mean = 55

The average wages (in Rs) is 55

ii)

S.D = =

f .D 2
N

2200
= 12.11
15 = 146.67

S.D = 12.11

The standard deviation of the distribution of wages (in Rs) is 12.11

iii)

S.D
x 100
A.M

C.V =

12.11
=
x 100
55

1211
=
= 22.02
55

C.V = 22.02

Exercise : 3
1) Calculate the Standard Deviation from the following set of 10 observations.
8, 9, 15, 23, 5, 11, 19, 8, 10 and 12
2) The scores of a batsman in 8 innings are given as 48, 40, 36, 35, 46, 42, 36
and 37
Find

(i) Average score (ii) Variance and (iii) Standard Deviation of scores.

3) Calculate Mean and standard deviation for the following distribution.

X

15

25

35

45

15

16

96

4) The marks scored by 60 students in a mathematics test are given below.

Marks (X)

10

20

30

40

50

60

No. of students (f)

12

20

10

Find the Variance and Standard Deviation of the marks.

5) Calculate (i) Arithmetic Mean and (ii) Standard Deviation for the following frequency
distribution.
Class
Interval

Frequency

20-25

25-30

30-35

15

35-40

12

40-45

45-50

50

6) The daily wages of 40 workers of a factory are given in the following table.
Wages in Rs.

30-34

34-38

38-42

42-46

46-50

50-54

11

No. of workers

Calculate (i) Mean (ii) Variance and (iii) Standard Deviation of wages and also
interpret the findings.
7) Batsman A gets an average of 64 runs per innings with standard deviation of 18
runs, while batsman B gets an average score of 43 runs with standard deviation
of 9 runs in an equal number of innings. Discuss the efficiency and consistency of
both the batsmen.
8) In two factories A and B, located in the same industrial area, the average weekly
wages in rupees and the Standard Deviations are as follows :
Factory

Average of
wages in Rs.

S.D. of
wages in Rs.

34.5

6.21

28.5

4.56

Determine which factory has greater variability in individual wages?

97

9) The Mean and Standard Deviation of the heights and weights of 20 persons are
given below :
Characteristic

Height (in cms)

175

3.5

Weight (in Kgs)

70

2.1

In which characteristic are they more variable?

10) Calculate (i) Arithmetic Mean (ii) Standard Deviation and (iii) Co-efficient of variation
for the following frequency distribution.
Class Interval

Frequency

30-35
35-40
40-45
45-50
50-55

5
10
16
15
4

Total

50

11) The runs scored by two batsmen A and B in six innings are given as follows :
Batsman A 48

50

54

46

48

54

Batsman B

44

43

46

45

46

46

Determine (i) Who is a better run getter?

(ii) Who is a consistent player?

12) Marks obtained in a test by X standard students of two sections A and B are
given below :
Marks

No. of students
in
Section A

25-30
30-35
35-40
40-45
45-50

5
10
25
8
2

No. of students
in
Section B
5
12
20
8
5

Determine : (i) Which sections performance is better? and (ii) Which sections performance
is more variable?
98