Example 1

Quý and Marina are comparing the bowling scores of their last 10 games.

Quý 110 141 127 119 153 129 131 117 132 135
Marina 88 135 178 91 201 111 133 63 207 84

1.Use technology to determine the mean and standard deviation of each player's scores.

Many calculators are capable of determining the mean and standard deviation of a data set. You may need to check your calculator's instructions for assistance. Instructions for determining the mean and standard deviation using a TI-83 / TI-84 calculator can be found in Equipment Room or by clicking here.

Quý:

Marina:

2. Use the mean and standard deviation to compare the players' abilities.

The mean score for both Quý and Marina are very similar, so it doesn't appear as though one player is better than the other. Quý's standard deviation is much lower than Marina's, which means that Quý is a much more consistent player. Quý's scores tend to be clustered near the mean, whereas Marina's scores are far more spread out.