Box-and-Whisker Plot

Definition of Box and Whisker Plot

• A box-and-whisker plot shows the distribution of a set of data along a number line, dividing the data into four parts using the median and quartiles.

                                        

Examples of Box-and-Whisker Plot

• A sample of box-and-whisker plot is shown below.

                                 

Solved Example on Box-and-Whisker Plot

The box-and-whisker plot below shows the amount of calories in some bakery items. Use it to find the difference between the upper and lower quartiles.

             

                      

Choices:

A. 150

B. 650

C. 500

D. 250

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Step 1: From the box-and-whisker plot shown, we learn that the upper quartile value is 650 and the lower quartile value is 500.

Step 2: So, the difference between the two values is 650 - 500 = 150.

                                

Related Terms for Box-and-Whisker Plot

• Quartile
• Lower Quartile
• Middle Quartile
• Upper Quartile
• Median
• Number Line
• Least Value
• Greatest Value

                               

Real-world Connections for Box-and-Whisker Plot

• Box-and-whisker plots are useful in comparing data.

For example, the prices of different commodities,  weights of students in a class, your test scores, etc can be compared using box-and-whisker plots.

                                                                          

Additional Links for Box-and-Whisker Plot

• Click here for samples
• Back to Mathematics Dictionary