Slide 1 · Constructing Ungrouped Frequency Distribution TablesOpening · 12 min
Raw data gathered from experiments or surveys can be difficult to interpret when left unorganised. A frequency distribution table for ungrouped data arranges each distinct entry alongside its tally marks and total count. Tally marks are drawn as vertical strokes, with every fifth stroke crossing four previous lines diagonally to form a neat group. Summing all frequencies gives the total number of observations in the dataset.
- Ungrouped data lists each individual observation without placing values into combined numerical ranges.
- A frequency distribution table displays distinct values, corresponding tally marks, and total counts clearly.
- Tally marks group counts into bundles of five using four vertical strokes and one diagonal line.
- The total frequency equals the sum of all individual counts and matches the sample size.
Worked example. Identify distinct scores: 5, 6, 7, and 8. Tally each score from the raw data set: Score 5 occurs 6 times (卌 |), Score 6 occurs 7 times (卌 ||), Score 7 occurs 4 times (||||), and Score 8 occurs 3 times (|||). Write down the corresponding frequencies: 6, 7, 4, and 3. Sum the frequencies to confirm the total: 6 + 7 + 4 + 3 = 20. Answer: Table with columns Score, Tally, Frequency: 5 → 卌 | (6); 6 → 卌 || (7); 7 → |||| (4); 8 → ||| (3); Total frequency = 20..
Check question: In a survey of 15 learners, the numbers of books read were: 1, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 4, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 3. What is the frequency of reading exactly 1 book?
- 1
- 5
- 6
- 15
Show answer
6. Counting the occurrences of the number 1 in the given list: 1 appears exactly 6 times. Therefore, its frequency is 6.
