Describing Distributions in Histograms and Line Plots: Sample FAST Questions
Given a histogram or line plot in a real-world context, students qualitatively describe and interpret the spread and distribution of the data, including symmetry, skewness, gaps, clusters, outliers, and the range. They learn to read the overall shape of a data display, not just individual values.
How the FAST tests this benchmark
FAST items show a histogram or line plot and ask multiple choice questions about its shape, gaps, clusters, outliers, or skew, along with reading frequencies and the range.
Skills students need
Describe the spread and distribution of data in histograms and line plots
Identify symmetry, skewness, gaps, clusters, and outliers
Try 4 real MA.6.DP.1.4 questions
These come straight from Algebro's question bank. Pick an answer to check it instantly.
Question 1EasyMultiple Choice
The histogram shows how many push-ups students completed during a fitness test. How would you describe the shape of this distribution?
Push-ups Completed
Correct answer: C. Uniform
This explanation shows one way to solve the problem.
Read the histogram: Every bar has the same height of 3 students. There is no peak and no tail.
Identify the shape: When all bars are the same height, the data is evenly spread across all intervals. This is called a uniform distribution.
Final Answer
Uniform
Question 2MediumMultiple Choice
The histogram shows how many free throws students attempted during a basketball drill. Which statement best describes this distribution?
Free Throw Attempts
Correct answer: B. The peak is at 3–6 attempts and the tail extends to the right
This explanation shows one way to solve the problem.
Identify the peak: The tallest bar is at 3–6 attempts with 7 students.
Identify the tail: The bars decrease to the right: 3 at 6–9 and 1 at 9–12. There is also a bar of 5 at 0–3 on the left. The tail extends to the right.
Describe the distribution: The peak is at 3–6 attempts and the tail extends to the right, making this a right-skewed distribution.
Final Answer
The peak is at 3–6 attempts and the tail extends to the right
Question 3MediumMultiple Choice
The dot plot shows the number of goals scored by players in a soccer league. How would you describe the shape of this distribution?
Goals Scored
Correct answer: B. Skewed right
This explanation shows one way to solve the problem.
Read the dot plot: Most dots are clustered on the left side (0–3 goals). There are fewer dots trailing off to the right (4, 5, 6, 8).
Identify peak and tail: The peak is at 2 goals (4 dots). The tail extends to the right toward higher values.
Name the shape: When the peak is on the left and the tail stretches right, the distribution is skewed right.
Final Answer
Skewed right
Question 4HardMultiple Choice
Two histograms show data collected from two surveys. Which statement BEST compares the predictability of the center for each distribution?
Correct answer: B. Survey B's peaked distribution makes it easier to predict where most data falls
This explanation shows one way to solve the problem.
Describe Survey A: All bars are the same height (4). This is a uniform distribution — data is equally spread across all intervals with no clear peak.
Describe Survey B: The bars are 1, 3, 8, 3, 1. The peak is clearly at 40–60, and the sides taper evenly. This is a symmetric distribution with a strong peak.
Compare predictability: Survey B has a clear center at 40–60 where most data is concentrated. Survey A's data is spread evenly, so there is no single interval where most data falls. Survey B's center is more predictable.
Final Answer
Survey B's peaked distribution makes it easier to predict where most data falls
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