Summary
Figure 3. Colonel explaining relative frequency using a visual model. The illustration shows the Colonel pointing to a chart that represents relative frequency as the ratio of observed count to total observations. This visual reinforces how summarized data from many observations can be used to estimate the likelihood of future outcomes.
Well now, let me tell you something. When you have got yourself a nice pile of past observations, you can use them to figure out how likely something is to happen again. Around here, we call that a relative frequency, and it is as useful as a rooster at sunrise.
Here is how it works: you take the count of what you are looking for, divide it by everything you counted, and that gives you a number you can hang your hat on. You can write it as a decimal or dress it up as a percentage, whichever suits your fancy.
Key Formula
\[\text{Relative Frequency} = \frac{\text{Observations in range}}{\text{Total observations}}\]
Key Steps
- Count the frequency: Determine how many observations fall within the specified range.
- Count the total: Determine the total number of observations in the sample.
- Calculate: Divide the frequency by the total to get the relative frequency.
Converting Between Decimals and Percentages
Round your percentage to one decimal place (XX.X%).
Decimal → Percentage
\[0.36 \times 100 = 36.0\%\]
Percentage → Decimal
\[36.0\% \div 100 = 0.36\]