Practice Frequencies
Absolute frequency counts how often an outcome occurs, while relative frequency divides that count by the total.
Relative frequencies help you compare datasets of different sizes.
Exercises with solutions
The absolute frequency states how often a value occurs. The relative frequency puts that in relation to the total: relative frequency = absolute frequency ÷ total. For a percentage, multiply the result by 100.
Exercise 1
In a class of 25 children, 10 have a pet. What is the relative frequency?
Show solution and working
0.4, so 40 %
10 ÷ 25 = 0.4. Multiplied by 100 that is 40 %.
Exercise 2
In 20 throws a die shows a six four times. How often would you expect that in 100 throws?
Show solution and working
20 times
The relative frequency is 4 ÷ 20 = 1/5. In 100 throws that is 100 ÷ 5 = 20.
Exercise 3
A spinner is spun 50 times and lands on red 15 times. What percentage is that?
Show solution and working
30 %
15 ÷ 50 = 0.3, so 30 %.
Exercise 4
Two children count cars. A counts 9 red out of 30 cars, B counts 9 red out of 50 cars. Who has the larger share?
Show solution and working
A, with 30 % against 18 %
A: 9 ÷ 30 = 0.3 = 30 %. B: 9 ÷ 50 = 0.18 = 18 %. The same count does not mean the same share.
Common mistake
Comparing only the absolute frequency. Nine red cars are not automatically the same share; what matters is how many cars were counted in total.
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