SYLLABUS

Cambridge O Level
Statistics
4040
For examination in November 2014
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Centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot
give permission to Centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal
use within a Centre.
University of Cambridge International Examinations 2011
Contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?
1.2 Why choose Cambridge O Level?
1.3 Why choose Cambridge O Level Statistics?
1.4 How can I find out more?
2. Assessment at a glance .................................................................................................. 4
3. Syllabus aims and objectives .......................................................................................... 6
3.1 Aims
3.2 Assessment objectives
4. Curriculum content .......................................................................................................... 7
5. Mathematical notation .................................................................................................... 9
6. Resource list ................................................................................................................. 15
7. Additional information ................................................................................................... 16
7.1 Guided learning hours
7.2 Recommended prior learning
7.3 Progression
7.4 Component codes
7.5 Grading and reporting
7.6 Access
7.7 Support and resources
Introduction
2 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
1. Introduction
1.1 Why choose Cambridge?
University of Cambridge International Examinations is the worlds largest provider of international education
programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. We are part of the University of Cambridge, trusted for
excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the worlds universities and employers.
Developed for an international audience
Cambridge O Levels have been designed for an international audience and are sensitive to the needs of
different countries. These qualifications are designed for students whose first language may not be English
and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process. The Cambridge O Level syllabus also allows
teaching to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in varying regions.
Recognition
Every year, thousands of learners gain the Cambridge qualifications they need to enter the worlds universities.
Cambridge O Level is internationally recognised by schools, universities and employers as equivalent to UK
GCSE. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/recognition
Excellence in education
We understand education. We work with over 9000 schools in over 160 countries who offer our
programmes and qualifications. Understanding learners needs around the world means listening carefully
to our community of schools, and we are pleased that 98% of Cambridge schools say they would
recommend us to other schools.
Our mission is to provide excellence in education, and our vision is that Cambridge learners become
confident, responsible, innovative and engaged.
Cambridge programmes and qualifications help Cambridge learners to become:
confident in working with information and ideas their own and those of others
responsible for themselves, responsive to and respectful of others
innovative and equipped for new and future challenges
engaged intellectually and socially, ready to make a difference
Support in the classroom
We provide a world-class support service for Cambridge teachers and exams officers. We offer a wide
range of teacher materials to Cambridge schools, plus teacher training (online and face-to-face), expert
advice and learner-support materials. Exams officers can trust in reliable, efficient administration of exams
entry and excellent, personal support from our customer services. Learn more at www.cie.org.uk/teachers
Not-for-profit, part of the University of Cambridge
We are a part of Cambridge Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge and a not-for-profit
organisation.
We invest constantly in research and development to improve our programmes and qualifications.
Introduction
3 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
1.2 Why choose Cambridge O Level?
Cambridge helps your school improve learners performance. Learners develop not only knowledge and
understanding, but also skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving, helping them to perform well
and prepare for the next stage of their education.
Schools worldwide have helped develop Cambridge O Levels, which provide an excellent preparation for
Cambridge International AS and A Levels.
Cambridge O Level incorporates the best in international education for learners at this level. It develops in
line with changing needs, and we update and extend it regularly.
1.3 Why choose Cambridge O Level Statistics?
Cambridge O Levels are established qualifications that keep pace with educational developments and
trends. The Cambridge O Level curriculum places emphasis on broad and balanced study across a wide
range of subject areas. The curriculum is structured so that candidates attain both practical skills and
theoretical knowledge.
Cambridge O Level Statistics is recognised by universities and employers throughout the world as proof
of statistical knowledge and understanding. Successful Cambridge O Level Statistics candidates acquire
knowledge of basic statistical ideas, methods and terminology. Study of the content of the syllabus enables
candidates to:
Represent and use statistical data in graphical, diagrammatic and tabular forms.
Interpret statistical statements, calculations and diagrams.
Perform statistical calculations accurately.
Acquire knowledge of elementary ideas in probability.
Cambridge O Level Statistics provides a suitable foundation for further study in the subject, as well as
developing concepts which are relevant in a wide range of other subjects.
1.4 How can I find out more?
If you are already a Cambridge school
You can make entries for this qualification through your usual channels. If you have any questions, please
contact us at international@cie.org.uk
If you are not yet a Cambridge school
Learn about the benefits of becoming a Cambridge school at www.cie.org.uk/startcambridge.
Email us at international@cie.org.uk to find out how your organisation can become a Cambridge school.
Assessment at a glance
4 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
2. Assessment at a glance
All candidates take both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1 2 hours 15 minutes
A written paper of two sections.
Section A: Six compulsory short questions worth 36 marks
Section B: Candidates choose four out of five longer questions worth 64 marks.
and
Paper 2 2 hours 15 minutes
A written paper of two sections.
Section A: Six compulsory short questions worth 36 marks
Section B: Candidates choose four out of five longer questions worth 64 marks.
A high standard of accuracy will be expected in calculations and in the drawing of diagrams and graphs.
All working must be clearly shown. The use of an electronic calculator is expected in both papers.
Past papers are available from Cambridge.
Electronic Calculators
1. At all centres, the use of silent electronic calculators is expected.
2. The General Regulations concerning the use of electronic calculators are contained in the Cambridge
Handbook.
Mathematical Instruments
Apart from the usual mathematical instruments, candidates may use flexicurves in this examination.
Mathematical Notation
Please see the list of mathematical notation at the end of this booklet.
Examiners Reports (SR(I) booklets)
Reports on the November examinations are distributed to International Centres in April/May.
Assessment at a glance
5 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
Availability
This syllabus is examined in the October/November examination series.
This syllabus is available to private candidates.
Cambridge O Levels are available to Centres in Administrative Zones 3, 4 and 5. Centres in Administrative
Zones 1, 2 or 6 wishing to enter candidates for Cambridge O Level examinations should contact Cambridge
Customer Services.
Combining this with other syllabuses
Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge syllabus, except:
syllabuses with the same title at the same level
Please note that Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International Level 1/Level 2 Certificates and Cambridge
O Level syllabuses are at the same level.
Syllabus aims and objectives
6 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
3. Syllabus aims and objectives
3.1 Aims
The course should enable students to:
appreciate that much of the information encountered in a wide variety of contexts in everyday life has a
statistical base;
recognise the suitability of this information for statistical analysis;
appreciate the extent of the accuracy of this information;
acquire an understanding of the elementary concepts of statistics and probability which are useful and
relevant for carrying out such analysis;
apply appropriate methods based on these concepts to numerical information;
draw appropriate conclusions from the results of the application of statistical methods;
interpret both primary statistical information and the conclusions of statistical analysis;
be aware of the limitations and levels of accuracy of interpretations and conclusions, and their relevance
in an everyday societal context.
3.2 Assessment objectives
The examination tests the ability of candidates to:
define/describe elementary statistical concepts and procedures;
present data in a suitable form for analysis;
justify the use of a particular method in a given situation;
solve statistical and probability problems numerically;
perform relevant statistical calculations accurately;
communicate conclusions and interpretations.
Curriculum content
7 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
4. Curriculum content
Syllabus Notes
1. General ideas of sampling and surveys.
Bias: how it arises and is avoided.
Including knowledge of the terms: random
sample, stratified random sample, quota
sample, systematic sample.
2. The nature of a variable. Including knowledge of the terms: discrete,
continuous, quantitative and qualitative.
3. Classification, tabulation and interpretation
of data. Pictorial representation of data;
the purpose and use of various forms, their
advantages and disadvantages.
Including pictograms, pie charts, bar charts,
sectional and percentage bar charts, dual bar
charts, change charts.
4. Frequency distributions; frequency
polygons and histograms.
Including class boundaries and mid-points,
class intervals.
5. Cumulative frequency distributions, curves
(ogives) and polygons.
6. Measures of central tendency and
their appropriate use; mode and modal
class, median and mean. Measures of
dispersion and their appropriate use; range,
interquartile range, variance and standard
deviation.
Calculation of the mean, the variance and the
standard deviation from a set of numbers, a
frequency distribution and a grouped frequency
distribution, including the use of an assumed
mean.
Estimation of the median, quartiles and
percentiles from a set of numbers, a
cumulative frequency curve or polygon and by
linear interpolation from a cumulative frequency
table.
The effect on mean and standard deviation of
adding a constant to each observation and of
multiplying each observation by a constant.
Linear transformation of data to a given mean
and standard deviation.
7. Index numbers, composite index numbers,
price relatives, crude and standardised
rates.
8. Moving averages. Including knowledge of the terms: time series,
trend, seasonal variation, cyclic variation.
Centering will be expected, where appropriate.
Curriculum content
8 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
9. Scatter diagrams; lines of best fit. Including the method of semi-averages for
fitting a straight line; the derivation of the
equation of the fitted straight line in the form
y = mx + c.
10. Elementary ideas of probability. Including the treatment of mutually exclusive
and independent events.
11. Simple probability and frequency
distributions for a discrete variable.
Expectation.
Including expected profit and loss in simple
games; idea of a fair game.
Mathematical notation
9 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
5. Mathematical notation
The list which follows summarises the notation used in the Cambridges Mathematics examinations.
Although primarily directed towards Advanced/HSC (Principal) level, the list also applies, where relevant, to
examinations at Cambridge O Level/S.C.
1. Set Notation
is an element of
is not an element of
{x
1
, x
2
,} the set with elements x
1
, x
2
,
{x: } the set of all x such that
n ( A) the number of elements in set A
the empty set
universal set
A the complement of the set A
k the set of positive integers, {1, 2, 3, }
w the set of integers {0, 1, 2, 3, }
w
+
the set of positive integers {1, 2, 3, }
w
n
the set of integers modulo n, {0, 1, 2, , n 1}
n the set of rational numbers
n
+
the set of positive rational numbers, {x n: x
>
0}
n
0
+
the set of positive rational numbers and zero, {x n: x 0}
o the set of real numbers
o
+
the set of positive real numbers {x o: x
>
0}
o
0
+
the set of positive real numbers and zero {x o: x 0}
o
n
the real n-tuples
` the set of complex numbers
is a subset of
is a proper subset of
is not a subset of
is not a proper subset of
union
intersection
[a, b] the closed interval {x o: a x b}
[a, b) the interval {x o: a x < b}
(a, b] the interval {x o: a
<
x

b}
(a, b) the open interval {x o: a
<
x
<
b}
yRx y is related to x by the relation R
y x y is equivalent to x, in the context of some equivalence relation
Mathematical notation
10 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
2. Miscellaneous Symbols
= is equal to
is not equal to
is identical to or is congruent to
is approximately equal to
is isomorphic to
is proportional to
<
, << is less than, is much less than
, is less than or equal to, is not greater than
>
, >> is greater than, is much greater than
, is greater than or equal to, is not less than
infinity
3. Operations
a + b a plus b
a b a minus b
a b, ab, a.b a multiplied by b
a b,
a
b
, a/b a divided by b
a : b the ratio of a to b

=
n
i
i
a
1
a
1
+ a
2
+ . . . + a
n
a the positive square root of the real number a
| a | the modulus of the real number a
n! n factorial for n k (0! = 1)

r
n
the binomial coefficient
n
r n
!
! ( ) r !
, for n, r k, 0 r n

!
) 1 )...( 1 (
r
r n n n +
, for n n, r k
Mathematical notation
11 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
4. Functions
f function f
f (x) the value of the function f at x
f : A B f is a function under which each element of set A has an image
in set B
f : x a y the function f maps the element x to the element y
f
1
the inverse of the function f
g

f, gf the composite function of f and g which is defined by

(g

f )( x) or gf ( x) = g(f ( x))
the limit of f ( x) as x tends to a
x; x an increment of x
d
dx
y
the derivative of y with respect to x
d
dx
n
n
y
the nth derivative of y with respect to x
f ( x), f ( x), , f
(n)
( x) the first, second, , nth derivatives of f ( x) with respect to x

x y d indefinite integral of y with respect to x

the definite integral of y with respect to x for values of x
between a and b
the partial derivative of y with respect to x
x, x, the first, second, . . . derivatives of x with respect to time
5. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
e base of natural logarithms
e
x
, exp x exponential function of x
log
a
x logarithm to the base a of x
ln x natural logarithm of x
lg x logarithm of x to base 10
lim
x a
x f( )

b
a
x y d
x
y

Mathematical notation
12 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
6. Circular and Hyperbolic Functions and Relations
sin, cos, tan,
cosec, sec, cot
}
the circular functions
sin
1
, cos
1
, tan
1
,
cosec
1
, sec
1
, cot
1
}
the inverse circular relations
sinh, cosh, tanh,
cosech, sech, coth
}
the hyperbolic functions
sinh
1
, cosh
1
, tanh
1
,
cosech
1
, sech
1
, coth
1
}
the inverse hyperbolic relations
7. Complex Numbers
i square root of 1
z a complex number, z = x + iy
= r (cos + i sin ), r o
0
+
= re
i

, r o
0
+
Re z the real part of z, Re (x + iy) = x
Imz the imaginary part of z, Im (x + iy) = y
| z | the modulus of z, | x + iy | = (x
2
+ y
2
), | r (cos + i sin )| = r
arg z the argument of z, arg(r (cos + i sin )) = , < Y
z* the complex conjugate of z, (x + iy)* = x iy
8. Matrices
M a matrix M
M
1
the inverse of the square matrix M
M
T
the transpose of the matrix M
det M the determinant of the square matrix M
Mathematical notation
13 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
9. Vectors
a the vector a
AB

the vector represented in magnitude and direction by the

directed line segment AB
a unit vector in the direction of the vector a
i, j, k unit vectors in the directions of the cartesian coordinate axes
| a | the magnitude of a
| AB

| the magnitude of AB

a
.
b the scalar product of a and b
a b the vector product of a and b
10. Probability and Statistics
A, B, C etc. events
A B union of events A and B
A B intersection of the events A and B
P(A) probability of the event A
A complement of the event A, the event not A
P(A|B) probability of the event A given the event B
X, Y, R, etc. random variables
x, y, r, etc. values of the random variables X, Y, R, etc.
x
1
, x
2
, observations
f
1
, f
2
, frequencies with which the observations x
1
, x
2
, occur
p( x) the value of the probability function P( X = x) of the discrete
random variable X
p
1
, p
2
, probabilities of the values x
1,
x
2
, of the discrete random
variable X
f ( x), g( x), the value of the probability density function of the continuous
random variable X
Mathematical notation
14 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
F(x), G(x), the value of the (cumulative) distribution function P( X Y x) of
the random variable X
E(X ) expectation of the random variable X
E[g(X )] expectation of g(X )
Var(X ) variance of the random variable X
G(t) the value of the probability generating function for a random
variable which takes integer values
B(n, p) binomial distribution, parameters n and p
N(,
2
) normal distribution, mean and variance


2
population mean

2
population variance
population standard deviation
x

sample mean
s
2
unbiased estimate of population variance from a sample,

2
1
1

= s
n
(x x

)
2
probability density function of the standardised normal variable
with distribution N (0, 1)
corresponding cumulative distribution function
linear product-moment correlation coefficient for a population
r linear product-moment correlation coefficient for a sample
Cov(X, Y ) covariance of X and Y
Resource list
15 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
6. Resource list
These titles represent some of the texts available in the UK at the time of printing this booklet. Teachers
are encouraged to choose texts for class use which they feel will be of interest to their candidates and will
support their own teaching style. ISBN numbers are provided wherever possible.
Suggested Books
Author Title Date Publisher ISBN
Number
Caswell Success in Statistics 1994 John Murray 019572029
Chalmers O Level Statistics 2003 Voila Publishers 9991255907
Clegg Simple Statistics 1983 Cambridge
University Press
0521288029
Hartley Statistics Book 1 1998 Impart Books 8120203089
Plews Introductory Statistics 1979 Heinemann 0435537504
Walker,
McLean and
Matthew
Statistics a first course 1993 Hodder and
Stoughton
Educational
0340552468
Additional information
16 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
7. Additional information
7.1 Guided learning hours
Cambridge O Level syllabuses are designed on the assumption that candidates have about 130 guided
learning hours per subject over the duration of the course. (Guided learning hours include direct teaching
and any other supervised or directed study time. They do not include private study by the candidate.)
However, this figure is for guidance only, and the number of hours required may vary according to local
curricular practice and the candidates prior experience of the subject.
7.2 Recommended prior learning
Candidates beginning this course are not expected to have studied Statistics previously.
7.3 Progression
Cambridge O Level Certificates are general qualifications that enable candidates to progress either directly
to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.
Candidates who are awarded grades C to A* in Cambridge O Level Statistics are well prepared to follow
courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level Statistics, or the equivalent.
7.4 Component codes
Because of local variations, in some cases component codes will be different in instructions about making
entries for examinations and timetables from those printed in this syllabus, but the component names will
be unchanged to make identification straightforward.
7.5 Grading and reporting
Cambridge O Level results are shown by one of the grades A*, A, B, C, D or E indicating the standard
achieved, Grade A* being the highest and Grade E the lowest. Ungraded indicates that the candidates
performance fell short of the standard required for Grade E. Ungraded will be reported on the statement
of results but not on the certificate.
Percentage uniform marks are also provided on each candidates statement of results to supplement their
grade for a syllabus. They are determined in this way:
A candidate who obtains
the minimum mark necessary for a Grade A* obtains a percentage uniform mark of 90%.
the minimum mark necessary for a Grade A obtains a percentage uniform mark of 80%.
the minimum mark necessary for a Grade B obtains a percentage uniform mark of 70%.
the minimum mark necessary for a Grade C obtains a percentage uniform mark of 60%.
the minimum mark necessary for a Grade D obtains a percentage uniform mark of 50%.
Additional information
17 Cambridge O Level Statistics 4040
the minimum mark necessary for a Grade E obtains a percentage uniform mark of 40%.
no marks receives a percentage uniform mark of 0%.
Candidates whose mark is none of the above receive a percentage mark in between those stated according
to the position of their mark in relation to the grade thresholds (i.e. the minimum mark for obtaining a
grade). For example, a candidate whose mark is halfway between the minimum for a Grade C and the
minimum for a Grade D (and whose grade is therefore D) receives a percentage uniform mark of 55%.
The percentage uniform mark is stated at syllabus level only. It is not the same as the raw mark obtained
by the candidate, since it depends on the position of the grade thresholds (which may vary from one series
to another and from one subject to another) and it has been turned into a percentage.
7.6 Access
Reasonable adjustments are made for disabled candidates in order to enable them to access the
assessments and to demonstrate what they know and what they can do. For this reason, very few
candidates will have a complete barrier to the assessment. Information on reasonable adjustments is found
in the Cambridge Handbook which can be downloaded from the website www.cie.org.uk
Candidates who are unable to access part of the assessment, even after exploring all possibilities through
reasonable adjustments, may still be able to receive an award based on the parts of the assessment they
have taken.
7.7 Support and resources
Copies of syllabuses, the most recent question papers and Principal Examiners reports for teachers are on
the Syllabus and Support Materials CD-ROM, which we send to all Cambridge International Schools. They
are also on our public website go to www.cie.org.uk/olevel. Click the Subjects tab and choose your
subject. For resources, click Resource List.
You can use the Filter by list to show all resources or only resources categorised as Endorsed by
Cambridge. Endorsed resources are written to align closely with the syllabus they support. They have
been through a detailed quality-assurance process. As new resources are published, we review them
against the syllabus and publish their details on the relevant resource list section of the website.
Additional syllabus-specific support is available from our secure Teacher Support website
http://teachers.cie.org.uk which is available to teachers at registered Cambridge schools. It provides past
question papers and examiner reports on previous examinations, as well as any extra resources such as
schemes of work or examples of candidate responses. You can also find a range of subject communities on
the Teacher Support website, where Cambridge teachers can share their own materials and join discussion
groups.
University of Cambridge International Examinations
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Email: international@cie.org.uk www.cie.org.uk
University of Cambridge International Examinations 2011
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