Math is the study of numbers, shapes, and their relationships. A simple example of math is algebra, in which mathematical problems are posed by substituting numbers with letters. For example, given the algebraic problem 2+b=4, what is b? You probably knew right away that the answer is 2.

Statistics is a branch of mathematics that involves the science of collecting, analyzing, presenting, and interpreting large quantities of data in order to draw conclusions and make forecasts. For example, let’s say we want to know how much, on average, the residents of New York City weigh to be used as a data point when discussing the population’s overall health. Obviously, we cannot weigh every person in a city of over 8 million people. This means we will need to take a shortcut using statistics.

We can take a small portion of New York City’s population — say, the weights of 1,000 random New Yorkers — and use it to calculate an average estimated weight of the city’s residents. This is known as a “sample mean,” or the average of a set of data. The more people used in the sample, the more accurate the results.

 

Why are Statistics Important?

Statistics are used for almost everything. Scientists use statistics to make predictions about weather, disease, climate change, medicine, and more. Businesses use statistics to improve their products and sales. Statistics can even be used to understand how people will vote in elections.

Without statistics, there is a lot about our world we wouldn’t understand, which is why it’s so important we celebrate this important field.

 

Want to learn more about math and statistics? Celebrate Math and Statistics Awareness Month!

Held every April since 1986, Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month aims to improve our understanding and appreciation of mathematics and statistics. Check out a local college or university near you to see if any are holding public events. Learn more about the movement here.