Creating Stem-and-Leaf Plots
Creating stem-and-leaf plots is a Grade 6 data display skill in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, Chapter 10: Data Displays. Students organize data by separating each value into a stem (the leading digit or digits) and a leaf (the last digit), displaying all original values in a compact, ordered format that reveals distribution patterns.
Key Concepts
To create a stem and leaf plot: (1) Order data from least to greatest; (2) Choose stems (typically tens digits) and leaves (typically ones digits); (3) Write stems vertically to the left of a vertical line; (4) Write leaves for each stem to the right in numerical order; (5) Include a key showing what the stem|leaf notation represents.
Common Questions
How do you create a stem-and-leaf plot?
To create a stem-and-leaf plot, separate each data value into a stem (all digits except the last) and a leaf (the last digit). List stems in order on the left and attach the corresponding leaves on the right. Include a key showing what the stems and leaves represent.
What is a stem-and-leaf plot used for in Grade 6?
A stem-and-leaf plot organizes numerical data to show its distribution while preserving all original values. It is useful for finding the median, mode, range, and identifying clusters or gaps in data.
What is the key in a stem-and-leaf plot?
The key explains how to read the plot. For example, a key of 3|5 = 35 means the stem 3 and leaf 5 together represent the value 35.
Where is this data display taught in Big Ideas Math Advanced 1?
Creating stem-and-leaf plots is covered in Chapter 10: Data Displays of Big Ideas Math Advanced 1, the Grade 6 math textbook.
How is a stem-and-leaf plot different from a histogram?
A stem-and-leaf plot shows all individual data values, while a histogram groups data into intervals and shows frequency counts. Stem-and-leaf plots preserve original data; histograms do not.