GRAPHS AND STATISTICS

Mode

Learn the reliable method for mode, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

The mode is the value that occurs most often.

Picture itFind the value that appears most
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Count the frequency of each value.
  2. Choose the value with the greatest frequency.
  3. State that there is no mode, or more than one mode, when appropriate.
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

What is the mode of 27, 25, 25, 27, 25, 30?

  1. 25 occurs three times; 27 occurs twice and 30 once.
  2. The most frequent value is 25.
Answer: 25
Example 2

A table has values 18, 20, 23 with frequencies 4, 2 and 3. Which single extra value would produce exactly two modes?

  1. Adding 23 raises its frequency from 3 to 4, tying with 18.
  2. Adding either other listed value does not create a tie at the highest frequency.
Answer: 23
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

State that there is no mode, or more than one mode, when appropriate.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.