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Wize University Statistics Textbook > Displaying & Summarizing Quantitative Data

Stemplots

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Stemplots (Stem-and-Leaf Plots)

A stemplot is used to display quantitative data, allowing us to describe the range, median, and skewness. In some cases, outliers could be observed.
  • It is usually made from a small set of data (probably no more than 50 or else it would be very time-consuming to create by hand).
  • If you have a large dataset and have access to software, then you should construct a histogram instead.

Example:

0 | 0 2 3 7
1 | 2 3 4 4 5 9
2 | 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 9
3 | 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7
4 | 1 5 8 8

The entries on the left are called stems and the entries on the right are called leaves.

For example, the number 23 has a stem = "2" and a leaf = "3".
The stemplot below shows the number of text messages a teenager sends a Saturday. Here, stems are tens; leaves are ones, which means a 2-stem and 6-leaf = 26 text messages.

8| 2
7|
6| 0 1
5| 2 2
4| 1 5 6
3| 2 7 8 8
2| 1 3 6 7 8
1| 2 5 7
0| 5

True of false?
Extra Practice
Stemplots
Here is a stem-and-leaf plot.
3 | 4455556
4| 0012344566
Stemplots
The stem-and-leaf plot shows the actual weight of a sample of 18 bags of rice, in pounds, rounded to the nearest 10th of a lb. (For instance 9.1, 10.4, etc.)
7 | 1
8 | 0 1
Stemplots
This stem-and-leaf plot shows the number of grocery trips 41 people took last year.
Based on this plot, which of the following conclusions about the distribution of data is TRUE?
Stemplots
Eight students write down how much money they spend a month drinking. The following data is recorded:
$0, $12, $20, $28, $42, $44, $50, $70
Which of the following shows the numbers on the stems of the stem-and-leaf plot for these data?
Stemplots
The stemplot below shows the number of text messages a teenager sends a Saturday. Here, stems are tens; leaves are ones, which means a 2-stem and 6-leaf = 26 text messages.
8| 2
7|