Tools for Quantitative Reasoning
Ms. Usma Noor
Topic # 12
COMPARING QUANTITIES USING ANALYTICAL TOOLS
When comparing quantities using analytical tools, you're generally aiming to assess, measure different values or
data points in a structured and objective manner. There are several ways to approach this depending on the type
of data you're working with and the desired outcomes. Here are some key analytical tools and techniques
commonly used for comparing quantities:
1. Descriptive Statistics: (Explained in topic 2 and 3)
Descriptive statistics help summarize and describe the characteristics of a dataset, allowing for initial
comparisons:
• Mean (Average): Helps compare central tendencies between datasets.
• Median: Useful when comparing the middle value of different datasets, especially with skewed data.
• Mode: Used to identify the most frequent value.
• Range: Shows the difference between the highest and lowest values in each dataset.
• Standard Deviation: Measures the spread or variability of data points in a dataset, helpful for
understanding consistency.
2. Inferential Statistics: (Explained in topic 4, 6 and 7)
Inferential methods allow you to make conclusions or predictions about a population based on sample data. Key
tools include:
• Hypothesis Testing: This helps compare quantities by testing if there’s a significant difference between
two or more datasets (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA).
• Confidence Intervals: Helps assess the reliability of the estimated differences between quantities.
• Regression Analysis: Used to assess relationships between variables, which can help in understanding
how changes in one quantity affect another.
3. Graphical Representation: (Explained in topic 1)
Visual tools are often used to compare quantities in an easily interpretable way:
• Bar Charts and Histograms: Great for comparing quantities between categories.
• Line Graphs: Useful for comparing quantities over time (time series data).
• Box Plots: Highlight the spread, median, and outliers of the data, providing a quick comparison between
multiple datasets.
• Scatter Plots: Show the relationship between two quantities, helping to spot correlations.
4. Ratio
A mathematical ratio is a way to compare two or more quantities. It shows the relative size of one value in
comparison to another. Ratios can be written in different forms, such as:
Examples of ratios, including simplification and word problems.
Example 1: Simplify the Ratio
Example 2: Write as a Fraction
Example 3: Word Problem
Example 4: Simplify the Ratio
Example 5: Ratio of Two Quantities
Example 6: Ratio of Fractions
5. Proportion
• When two ratios are equal, they form a proportion. (equality between ratio)
• A proportion is an equation that expresses the equality of two ratios.
A proportion states that two ratios are equal and is often written in the form:
Examples of Proportions
Example 1: Basic Proportion, Comparing Ratios
Example 2: Find Missing Value in a Ratio
Ratio: The ratio of cats to dogs is given as 4:5, meaning for every 4 cats, there are 5 dogs.
Proportion: The problem asks you to find the number of dogs when you know the number of cats. This involves
setting up an equation that relates two ratios, which makes it a proportion problem.
Proportion with Percentages
Finding the Total in a Proportion
Word Problem with Proportions
5. Percentage
A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. It is represented by the symbol "%". For
example, 20% means 20 out of 100 or 20/100. Percentages are used in many areas, such as finance, statistics,
and general math.
Formula for Percentage:
Basic Percentage Examples:
Example 1: Find 20% of 50
Example 2: Find what percentage 25 is of 200
Example 3: What is 30% of 150?
Example 4: A discount of 15% on a $200 item. What is the discount amount?
Example 5: If 80% of a number is 320, what is the number?
Percentage Increase and Decrease
Understanding Old and New Values:
• The old value refers to the value before the change or increase.
• The new value refers to the value after the change or increase.
