Standard deviation is a measure of the spread of data around the mean value. It is used in comparisons of consistency between different data sets. Two formulae can be used to calculate this.
Part of Application of MathsStatistical skills
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The mean and standard deviation are often used to compare two sets of data.
Bob keeps annual records of daily temperatures.
In 1998 he found that the maximum daily temperature, in \(鈦癈\), in March had a mean of \(7.8\) and a standard deviation of \(4.2\).
In 2008 he found that the maximum daily temperature, in \(鈦癈\), in March had a mean of \(9.6\) and a standard deviation of \(1.5\).
Bob compares the data and states that:
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Standard deviation