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How to Use the Stem & Leaf Plot

Data can be represented in the form of a stem and leaf plot. The numerals in the ones place are represented with a leaf. All other place values are represented with stems. You can use the stem and leaf plot to find the mean, median and mode. The median is the middle value when the numbers are in order. The mode is the value that appears the most. The mean is found by taking the sum of numbers and dividing by the number of values.

Instructions

  1. Find the mode and median

    • 1

      Find the leaf that appears most often. For example, in the following pattern, it is the 5 that appears the most.

      1 I 4

      2 I 3 5 5

      4 I 2

    • 2

      Determine the value of the leaf by looking at its stem and placing this digit in front of the leaf. For example:

      1 I 4

      2 I 3 5 5

      4 I 2

      The stem of the 5 is 2. Therefore, the mode is 25 because each stem goes in front of the leaf.

    • 3

      To find the medium, cross out the first and last leaf. Cross out the second and second to the last leaf. Continue to do this until you get to the middle leaf. For example, using the sample pattern, cross out the 4 and 2; Next cross out the 3 and (last) 5. Notice that the other 5 remains.

      1 I 4

      2 I 3 5 5

      4 I 2

    • 4

      Find the stem of the leaf that has not been crossed out. Rewrite and place its stem in front of this digit. This is the median or middle number. For example, 25 is the median of the data below:

      1 I 4

      2 I 3 5 5

      4 I 2

    Find the mean

    • 5

      Write the list of numbers from the stem and leaf plot by placing each "stem" in front of the "leaf". For example: 14, 23, 25, 25, 42

      1 I 4

      2 I 3 5 5

      4 I 2

    • 6

      Find the sum of the numbers. For example: 14 + 23 + 25 + 25 + 42 = 129.

    • 7

      Divide the sum by the number of values. For example: 129/5 = 25.8

    • 8

      The quotient is the mean.

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