Mathematics (4024)
Topic 5 of 5Cambridge O Levels

Statistics & Probability

Analysing data and calculating chances

Statistics helps us collect, organise, and understand data. Probability tells us how likely events are.


Averages (Measures of Central Tendency):

  • Mean: Add all values, divide by how many. Most common average.
  • Median: Middle value when data is in order. Good when there are outliers.
  • Mode: Most frequent value. Can be more than one.
  • Range: Highest - Lowest. Measures spread.

  • Displaying Data:

  • Bar charts: comparing categories
  • Pie charts: showing proportions (angles must add to 360°)
  • Histograms: continuous data with unequal class widths
  • Scatter graphs: showing correlation between two variables
  • Cumulative frequency: finding median and quartiles

  • Probability:

  • Probability = Number of favorable outcomes / Total outcomes
  • P(event) is always between 0 (impossible) and 1 (certain)
  • P(not happening) = 1 - P(happening)
  • For independent events: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B)
  • For mutually exclusive events: P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B)
  • Key Points to Remember

    • 1Mean = sum of values / number of values
    • 2Probability = favourable outcomes / total outcomes
    • 3P(not A) = 1 - P(A)
    • 4Independent events: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B)

    Pakistan Example

    PSL Cricket Stats

    In PSL 2026, Babar Azam scored: 45, 82, 12, 67, 91, 34, 56 in 7 innings. Mean = (45+82+12+67+91+34+56)/7 = 387/7 = 55.3. Sorted: 12, 34, 45, 56, 67, 82, 91. Median = 56 (middle value). Range = 91-12 = 79 (shows inconsistency). A selector might prefer a player with a lower range (more consistent). The probability of him scoring 50+ is 4/7 ≈ 57%.

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