Preparing for the 1st semester final

Topics on the AP Stat 1st Semester Final Exam

Types of graphs, their advantages and disadvantages, their interpretations
Measures of center and spread, their calculation, their different meanings, and their uses
Measures of position, converting back and forth among different measures (i.e. percentile, observed value, and z-value)
Probabilities associated with continuous random variables (area under the curve, normalcdf, empirical rule, Chebyshev’s theorem)
Probabilities associated with discrete random variables, multiplication property, addition property, independence, conditional probabilities
Special discrete random variables—binomial and geometric distributions
Relationships in two variables – linear regression, residuals, interpreting regression output, correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination
Means and standard deviations of combinations and transformations of random variables
Design of surveys, types of bias, types of sampling
Design of experiments, methods of randomizing, methods of control, matched pairs design, blocking, causation
Vocabulary: for instance, outliers, clusters, gaps, population, sample, variance, influential observations

Answer the following two questions on two separate sheets of paper. Your response to question one will be graded as a small test grade. Your response to question two will be the free response part (take-home portion) of your final exam. Your answers may be hand-written or typed, but must be legible and complete. Computed numbers that are unsupported by their calculations will be given no credit. You may NOT work together on this assignment.

Question One: Using an example from the second half of your selected book (Bringing Down the House, Freakonomics, etc.), explain a specific connection to one of the topics in the list of exam topics above. You may get creative with your product for this question. It may be in the form of a Powerpoint, a 9”x12” poster, or other appropriate written or mixed media form. Interpretive dance is not appropriate.

Question Two: Answer the problem handed out in class on a separate sheet of paper. You must work alone on this problem.

Distributions of Random Variables

11/19/2010
We're combining parts of chapters 6-8 to build on students' prior understanding of probability.

First up: Geometric and binomial probabilities
geometric probabilities:
Know the 4 characteristics that define a geometric distribution
Know how to find the expected value of x
Know how to find probabilities for values of x (both individual probabilities and cumulative probabilities)

bimomial probabilities:
geometric probabilities:
Know the 4 characteristics that define a binomial distribution
Know how to find the expected value of x
Know how to find probabilities for values of x (both individual probabilities and cumulative probabilities)

Be able to identify a binomial or geometric distribution when you read a problem.
Define the random variable x.
Solve problems related to probabilities for these distributions.


Next up: any other discrete distributions
Work with valid probability distributions (individual and cumulative)

Apply the concept of independent events to joint probability problems.

Apply the concepts of disjoint sets and complements to find probabilities.

Find the means and standard deviations of transformations of a random variable and combinations of independent random variables. YOu'll have to bookmark these pages and study them A LOT!


Monday December 6, 2010
Testing on Thursday on distributions of random variables. We will be learning new material through Wednesday. Be here!