Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Mathematics · key term
A data value that is unusually far from the main body of the data.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification S4, S6 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
A value that is unusually high or low compared with the rest of a data set.
Revise: Measures of Central Tendency and SpreadAn outlier is a value unusually high or low compared with the rest.
A value unusually far from the main body of a distribution.
When an outlier is present, consider whether the median represents the centre more fairly than the mean. Do not remove an outlier unless there is a justified reason.
Draw a line of best fit through the main trend, with roughly as many points above it as below it. Do not force it through the origin or an outlier.
If a question gives a quartile convention or an outlier rule, apply it exactly. Do not remove a suspicious value unless the question tells you to.
Create a free account to read GCSE Mathematics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.
A point noticeably away from the general pattern of the other points.
Specification S4, S6 · Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3
Revise: Measures of Spread and OutliersIf the largest value changed from 28 to 50, the range would jump from 11 to 33 even though all the other scores stayed unchanged. This makes the range very sensitive to extreme values and outliers.
A value that lies noticeably away from the main pattern of the data.
Specification 12.03a, 12.03d · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher), Paper 5 (Higher), Paper 6 (Higher)
A value unusually far from the other values in a data set.
A value or plotted point that does not fit the general pattern of the data.