The Big Scary Formula

The big scary formula is not so scary any more ... If you were at the class. If you were absent it is up to you to find out what you missed. There are plenty of people in the class who have a good understanding of standard deviation.

15 September 2008 Social Work Statistics

Social Work Scotland uses graphs to present information in a way that makes it easier to compare. Here is a link to a graph which can be used to compare different local authorities.

September 15th Standard Deviation

The Standard Deviation is one of many tools used to measure the 'spread' of data. It looks like a scary formula but once you get the hang of it it is not as scary as it looks.
If you go on to study any social science you will meet this formula. In this section you will only work out the formula for small amounts of data and this will be enough to show you how to use the formula.

With large amounts of data you will use a computer program like Excel. (not needed for this course)

Mymaths has quite a nice introduction to the formula. It assumes you know how to calculate the mean (average). If you have forgotten how to calculate the mean you can revise it here.
The login is clydebank and the password is t****t. (Memory jog only)
The LTS Int 2 website has a bit more on standard deviation. Work through the website and do the examples. These have been printed out for you. Dont 'reveal' until you have done the question for yourself.

Percentages in Graphs

For a link to powerpoint slides which show examples of percentages in graphs click here. If the links dont work in college they may work if you have a computer at home.

Week 1 Numeracy Worksheet - Percentages

The class was shorter because you were on a tour of the college and getting your induction.
The data used for the worksheet 'Percentages' came from the Scottish Executive website. Click here to go to the exact point in the website.

The reason we have started with a revision of percentages is that Outcome 1 needs you to be able to calculate percentages.
After using Mymaths for a quick revision printed notes were issued. These will be finished next week.

Numeracy Int 2 - Plain English Version

The descriptor is not an easy thing to understand - even your lecturers take ages to figure it out! Here is an attempt to translate it.

The unit has 3 outcomes

1. Reading tables, charts, graphs and diagrams which will be a bit more difficult than those in Numeracy Int 1. You will then use the information you have gathered to do a problem. e.g. the line graph could have two lines on it and you might have to compare the things on the line graph.
2. You will be given information to present graphically. YOU will have to decide what is the best type of table or graph to use. You might be allowed to use a computer.
3. Problems. You will be given problems to do on a variety of topics e.g. Working out Tax, using simple formulae, working out the mean and standard deviation. etc.

The unit may not be taught in the order above because you need to be able to do some of the things in outcome 3 to be able to do outcome 1 e.g. percentages.

What you will need.

You will need to provide
An A4 ring binder to keep the notes you will be given in class.
Pen, pencil, ruler and rubber.
You will also need to bring a calculator.

What calculator should I buy?
If you have a calculator already it will probably do for this course. For Numeracy Intermediate 2 it would be best if you have a scientific calculator. For Int 1 it is not essential that you have a scientific calculator - but you must have a calculator.
Some of the new calculators have a feature which is very useful. It is called 'dual line display'. It shows you the steps in your calculation. It also means that your teacher (and you) can spot if you have pressed a button by mistake.
Some calculators are too complicated - the new Casio with the 'natural display' is tricky to use - I have not figured it out yet!
In College you might have a keyboard which has a button which will open a calculator. Check the keyboard - its usually on the top right.
Mobile phones have a calculator but they are slow and fiddly to use - and mobile phones must be switched off in class.

Brushing up on Some Basics

This is your chance to refresh you memory. You are fortunate to have access to computers for your numeracy lessons. What you should do this week is work through the BBC Skillswise material on rounding, decimals, fractions and percentages - the same old stuff.
Here are some links to save you searching. Just click on the link. Do the level C quizes in each section.
Rounding
Fractions
Percentages
There a couple of level C quizes in the percentages section you should try.
I hope you found these quizes too easy!

Percentages are really really important. Spend a bit of time mastering percentages.

The advantage of using the computer is that you get instant feedback which lets both you and your lecturer know what to work on.

Percentages - MyMaths

Mymaths can be used to help you brush up on percentages.

Click on the title above. Log into Mymaths. Select Number. Then Percentages. There are 4 sections. You do not need to do 'Compound Interest'

All of the questions are like 'Find 25% of £280'

In this type you should not need a calculator. 50% is £140 so 25% is £70.

Using a calculator it would be 0.25x£280. You should get the same answer.
[25% means 25/100 which is the same as 0.25]

As the numbers get more difficult use your calculator.

Reading Scales

Clicking on the title above will take to a section of reading scales. Read the first few pages and then do the exercise on the last page. 8/8