CoreIn almost every paper that tests this subjectAbout 60 seconds a question in the test
The big idea
Mean = total ÷ how many. Median = the middle value when in order. Mode = the most common. Range = largest − smallest.
When reading charts, check the scale on the axis carefully. Each gridline may be worth 2, 5 or 10.
Tips that save marks
Put numbers in order before finding the median.
If you know the mean and how many values, you can find the total.
Range is a single number, not “3 to 9”.
Now try five
Try each one before you look at the answer: answering from memory is what makes it stick. Tap an option to check it. Most children get three or four right at first; five out of five means move on to the next topic.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
120 children were asked about their favourite sport. How many chose Swimming?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 30
How to work it out
Swimming has 90° of the 360° circle, which is 14. 14 of 120 = 30.
Why the other options are wrong
B (31): A near miss: check the working again.
C (1): Divide the angle by 360, not by the number of children.
D (90): This is the angle of the slice, not the number of children.
E (40): This is the number who chose Cricket.
Question 2Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the range of these numbers?
17, 21, 25, 23, 29
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 12
How to work it out
Range = largest − smallest = 29 − 17 = 12.
Question 3Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the mean of these numbers?
38, 41, 45, 26, 44, 46
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 40
How to work it out
Add them: 240.
Divide by how many there are (6): 40.
Question 4Aim for about 60 seconds
Between which two times did the temperature rise the most?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 10 am and 12 pm
How to work it out
Look for the steepest upward part of the line.
From 10 am and 12 pm it rose from 13°C to 17°C, a rise of 4 degrees, the biggest rise.
Why the other options are wrong
A (8 am and 10 am): It rose by 2 degrees here, less than 4.
B (4 pm and 6 pm): The temperature fell between these times.
D (2 pm and 4 pm): The temperature fell between these times.
E (12 pm and 2 pm): It rose by 2 degrees here, less than 4.
Question 5Aim for about 60 seconds
120 children were asked about their favourite sport. How many chose Tennis?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, 30
How to work it out
Tennis has 90° of the 360° circle, which is 14. 14 of 120 = 30.
Why the other options are wrong
A (90): This is the angle of the slice, not the number of children.
B (20): This is the number who chose Gymnastics.
D (31): A near miss: check the working again.
E (1): Divide the angle by 360, not by the number of children.
Want a plan built around the topics your child finds hardest?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.