Statistical Equations

The use of statistical equations are fundamental to the science of statistics. One can not practice statistics, or quantify and analyze numerical data without the use of at least one statistical equation. Upon first glancing at many of the statistical equations they may seem impossible, as if you were trying to read a foreign language without ever having been introduced to such a language. Stay calm. With some practice and discipline you will be able to decipher the language of statistics in no time. Statistical equations vary in difficulty from easy to ‘what the heck does that mean?!’ The most used statistical equations include, but are not limited to, sample and population mean, standard error, standard deviation, sample variance, binomial equations, mean of a binomial distribution, and combinations and permutations. Some of the more difficult statistical equations include Fisher Skewness and Unbiased Estimator of Population Sample Variance. Computer programs such a Microsoft Excel can be extremely helpful when working with statistical equations, and from personal experience I would recommend becoming familiar with such a program.

One very important statistical equation is standard deviation. Standard deviation is used in order to measure the variance that occurs within a set of data. Finding the standard deviation of a set of data is important in solving many statistical problems. Another piece of information that is essential to solving many statistical problems is the sample mean. A sample is a subset of a larger population. The statistical equation for sample mean will provide an average of all of the items in the sample. The statistical equation for combinations provides the possible number of outcomes that can occur without repetition. This becomes very important when studying probability. An example of when the formula for combination would come in hand is during a card game. If you have five cards in you hand out of a 52 card deck, calculating the combination would calculate how many different hands were possible with out repetition. Fisher Skewness is a statistical equation that can measure the amount of asymmetry that is present in a binomial distribution. If the smaller end of the function, or the left tail, is more pronounced than the larger end, or the right tail, then the function has a negative skewness. If the opposite is true than the function is said to have a positive skewness.

Statistics and statistical equations are important in many areas of life and a variety of different careers. Statistics can be used to measure business performance, giving the company the knowledge that they need to improve their business performance. The use of statistics is important to all areas of economics and commerce. Anthropologists and government officials use statistical equations to collect stats on social, cultural, and economic issue. This information can then be used to determine what policies are effective and what policies are not effective. Advertising companies used statistics to determine how to form their marketing campaigns. Statistics and equations provide us with a means of quantifying information and data that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to express.

Math

Students will often question the purpose of studying specific subjects in school and hound teachers about when such information will ever be valuable in real life situations. Perhaps some of the most frequently questioned subjects is statistics and math. Although students rarely receive an answer that satisfies them, I know as I was one of them, the truth is that math and statistics are extremely important and have a practical use in everyday life. Statistics and math go hand in hand. Math and statistics are very important tools that are used to organize and quantify empirical data. Statistics is defined as the science that concerns collecting, interpreting, and analyzing numerical data. Mathematics is the study of measuring and determining relationships between quantities using numbers. Statistics is a type of math, as is geometry, algebra and trigonometry.

Math and Statistics both require the use of formulas. Simple math equations include addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. As one spends more time studying mathematics, the equations and formulas increase in difficulty. A student will start by studying simple math, then move onto formulas for area, graphing, integrals and deviations, and when a student has mastered these topics they will move onto statistics. Statistics uses formulas in order to calculate error and confidence intervals. This allows an individual or company to recognize the accuracy of a given quantity and give them and idea about how confident they can be about their data and results.

Math and statistics are not only used by mathematicians and statisticians, but by people in all areas of life, from scientists to cashiers in retail. Math and statistics are considered to be tools that are used by people in occupations ranging from physicists to business men. How could business men make money without the use of math? Every construction on the face of the Earth requires the use of math. An architect could not construct buildings without it nor could fashion designers create beautiful clothing without using measurements. Statistics and math allow one to back up claims with numerical data. For example, if someone claims that Native Americans make up only 1.5% of the population, this information can be tested by collecting information in censuses and examining the data. Math and statistics are used in everyday life from balancing checkbooks, to counting change, to baking. When making cookies one must use simple math to produce accurate measurements. Individuals do not realize how much math they are actually using on an every day basis.

Statistics and math may seem tricky, overwhelming and daunting, but don’t stress out. With a little bit of discipline, practice and daily study you’ll get that hang of it in no time. However, make sure you don’t fall behind. Once you fall behind in math it is very easy to get stuck there because t is essential to understand the basic principles before you can move on to harder and more intense ideas and formulas. Math can be fun and satisfying when you get the hang of it, like a jigsaw puzzle.

Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of measurement, properties, changes and the relationships of quantities using numbers and symbols. Also, mathematicians are generally concerned with finding patterns within numerical values. Mathematics to most is considered a universal language by which all things in nature are constructed of. Mathematics is used as a tool in many fields of study throughout the world to help gain a better understanding of concepts I natural sciences, engineering, medicine and social science. Mathematics is a natural extension that evolved from counting, calculating, measuring and studying the structure of shapes and motions of objects through abstract ideals and logic. It is still unclear, however, whether or not mathematics and its numerical values actually exist naturally. Many people believe that math is a concept created by man while others believe it is a building block of all things in existence.

History of Mathematics:
Math has evolved over the years through a series of recognized abstract concepts. Animals first practiced mathematics when they realized what numbers were and why they are important. They realized that two different objects of the same quantity hold something in common in mathematics. Soon, numbers were not only used to count physical objects, but also used to count abstract objects that don’t tangibly exist. An example of a non-tangible object being numerically counted is a day or a year. With the establishment of numerical values, slightly more advanced concepts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division soon were recognized as well.

With the introduction of numbers also came the need to record those numbers to store for later reference. Eventually, early civilizations began using tallies to count numbers, and a tool called a quipu used by the Inca. A quipu is a series of strings that store numerical data using knots.

The earliest practical use of mathematics was done in situations involving trading, measuring the area of land, works of art, and patterns used to weave objects, such as baskets. Also, time was measured through mathematics to determine the arrival of seasons. Even more advanced math was used by Babylonians and Egyptians through algebra and geometry to in order to tax members of the society, as well as for other financial calculations. In addition, construction plans were created using math and astronomy calculations were also made. The first civilization to place mathematics itself into study were the Ancient Greeks during the years between 600 and 300BC.

The Evolved Use of Mathematics:
Mathematics was first used for key actions, such as the exchange of commerce and architecture. Today, almost all sciences are provided with a foundation of logic through the applied use of mathematics, while always presenting new math problems. Currently, a mathematical concept called string theory is still being analyzed and developed. Strong theory is a math concept that supposedly links all the forces of nature together.

In any way that mathematics is used, all mathematicians agree that math should be as simple and general as possible to show the inner beauty of it. Many people find mathematics an elegant and intrinsic field of study.