GCSE Statistics · key term

Proportion

Definition

A part expressed as a fraction of the whole. In a pie chart, a sector with angle $\theta$ represents the proportion $\theta/360^\circ$ .

Used by Edexcel

Specification 2a.02, 2h.01 · Paper 1, Paper 2

Two ordinary pie charts of the same size can compare proportions, but their size does not tell you whether their totals are equal. A quarter of 500 people is 125 people; a quarter of 1000 people is 250 people. The angles are identical, although the frequencies differ.
Revise: Comparative diagrams and pie chart scaling
The fraction of a group with a particular characteristic: $\text{proportion}=\frac{\text{number with the characteristic}}{\text{total number in the group}}$ .
Revise: Estimating population characteristics

1
Compare sector angles for proportions and sector areas for frequencies. A larger angle does not necessarily represent more people.
2
For an estimated number, multiply the proportion by the population size, not the sample size.

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GCSE Statistics · key term

A part expressed as a fraction of the whole. In a pie chart, a sector with angle $\theta$ represents the proportion $\theta/360^\circ$ .

Used by Edexcel

Specification 2a.02, 2h.01 · Paper 1, Paper 2

Two ordinary pie charts of the same size can compare proportions, but their size does not tell you whether their totals are equal. A quarter of 500 people is 125 people; a quarter of 1000 people is 250 people. The angles are identical, although the frequencies differ.
Revise: Comparative diagrams and pie chart scaling
The fraction of a group with a particular characteristic: $\text{proportion}=\frac{\text{number with the characteristic}}{\text{total number in the group}}$ .
Revise: Estimating population characteristics

1
Compare sector angles for proportions and sector areas for frequencies. A larger angle does not necessarily represent more people.
2
For an estimated number, multiply the proportion by the population size, not the sample size.

Create a free account to read GCSE Statistics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.