Summarize a Dataset without Losing Its Meaning

Supplied materials

• Paper and pencil; answers may also be spoken or typed.
• All cases, labels, numbers and rules are supplied on this page. No real account, private information or purchase is needed.

Learn the idea

A summary combines recorded values for a purpose. A total count adds quantities for different items in the same unit. It should not add category codes or mix incompatible units. The worked data is complete and fictional; the answer describes only these rows.

Add the supplied counts only when every number represents the same kind of quantity. A total loses meaning if kilograms and item counts are combined.

Use this supplied case: Complete fictional box counts are 2, 3 and 4 tiles. What is the total? Use the details in this example. Say which detail helped you choose. This pretend example does not tell us how every real system works.

1. Follow the worked example one step at a time. Say or draw what happens.
2. Add the supplied counts only when every number represents the same kind of quantity.
3. Say which detail makes the example answer fit. Pick another answer and say why it does not fit.
4. Try the question and practice questions. Read the rule again if your answer does not match the explanation.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

New complete counts:5, 7, 2. Expected:14 items. If the final count becomes unknown, 12 is only a known subtotal.

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