7.2.2

Linear Interpolation

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Linear Interpolation

Linear interpolation can be used to estimate different values in a set of data such as the median, quartiles and inter-quartile range.

Median piece of data

Median piece of data

  • The median occurs at the position given by this equation:
    • position of median=number of pieces of data2\text{position of median}=\frac{\text{number of pieces of data}}{2}
  • We can then find the class interval that contains the median, which is one that has the lowest cumulative frequency that is greater than this number.
Linear interpolation

Linear interpolation

  • To find the median within the class, we assume that the cumulative frequency graph is a straight line between the lower and upper limits of the class.
  • First, calculate the gradient of the straight line within the class interval using the equation:
    • g=y2y1x2x1g = \frac{\large y_2 - y_1}{\large x_2 - x_1}
      • Where x1x<x2x_1 \leq x \lt x_2 is the class interval.
Linear interpolation 2

Linear interpolation 2

  • Then, equate this to the gradient of the straight line between the median and the lower limit of the class interval:
    • 103494030=63.549M30\frac{\large 103 - 49}{\large 40 - 30} = \frac{\large 63.5 - 49}{\large M - 30}
    • 5.4=14.5M305.4 = \frac{\large 14.5}{\large M - 30}
  • So the median is 32.7 kg.
Percentiles

Percentiles

  • The same method of linear interpolation works to find any percentile.
  • To find out the 30th percentile, we first find the position:
    • 127×0.3=38.1127×0.3=38.1
  • Then we use the equation:
    • 49173020=38.117P20\frac{\large 49 - 17}{\large 30 - 20} = \frac{\large 38.1 - 17}{\large P - 20}
    • 3.2=21.1P203.2 = \frac{\large 21.1}{\large P - 20}
  • So the 30th percentile is 20.1 kg.
Jump to other topics
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Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2

Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

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Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1

The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

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Periodic Trends

3.3

Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4

Halogens

3.5

Noble gases, group 18

3.6

Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

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Functional Group Chemistry

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Alkanes

3.9

Alcohols

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Halogenoalkanes

4

Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5

Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

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Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

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Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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