CCSS.Math.Content.HSS-ID.B.5

MathGrades 9–12Interpreting Categorical and Quantitative Data

The Standard

Summarize categorical data for two categories in two-way frequency tables. Interpret relative frequencies in the context of the data (including joint, marginal, and conditional relative frequencies). Recognize possible associations and trends in the data.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Students organize counts for two categorical variables in a two-way table. They calculate and interpret joint, marginal, and conditional percentages, then use comparisons to identify possible associations.

What Mastery Looks Like

Students accurately calculate cell, row, column, and conditional percentages using the correct denominator. They compare conditional percentages and explain any apparent association in the context of the data.

Common Misconceptions

Students often divide by the grand total when a row or column total is required. They may confuse joint, marginal, and conditional percentages. They may also claim that an association proves one variable causes the other.

How to Assess It

Give students this table: bus riders, 24 bring lunch and 16 buy lunch; nonriders, 18 bring lunch and 42 buy lunch. Ask them to find one joint, one marginal, and two conditional relative frequencies, then state whether transportation and lunch choice appear associated.

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Have students place sticky notes on a four-cell poster for pet ownership and sibling status, then calculate cell, row, and column percentages.

  2. Ask, “Does club membership appear related to attendance?” Students cite two conditional percentages from a provided table in a three-sentence response.

  3. Give pairs data cards showing two traits; they sort, build a table, and earn points for correct frequency interpretations.

  4. Use school survey data on transportation and tardiness to decide whether bus riders and car riders show different tardiness rates.

Learning progression

Where This Standard Sits

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