IGCSE Cumulative Frequency: Complete Guide for Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics

IGCSE cumulative frequency is an essential statistics topic in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics that appears in both Paper 2 and Paper 4. Mastering cumulative frequency tables, cumulative frequency graphs, and finding quartiles is essential for analyzing grouped data.

This comprehensive IGCSE cumulative frequency guide covers everything you need to know, including constructing cumulative frequency tables, drawing cumulative frequency curves, finding median and quartiles, worked examples, common exam questions, and expert tips from Tutopiya’s IGCSE maths tutors. We’ll also show you how to avoid the most common mistakes that cost students valuable marks.

🎯 What you’ll learn: By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to construct cumulative frequency tables, draw cumulative frequency graphs, find median and quartiles, and apply these skills to analyze data in IGCSE exams.

Already studying with Tutopiya? Practice these skills with our dedicated IGCSE Statistics practice deck featuring exam-style questions and instant feedback.

---

Why IGCSE Cumulative Frequency Matters

IGCSE cumulative frequency is an essential statistics topic. Here’s why it’s so important:

• High frequency topic: Cumulative frequency questions appear regularly in IGCSE maths papers
• Foundation skill: Essential for analyzing grouped data and finding quartiles
• Exam weight: Typically worth 6-10 marks per paper
• Real-world applications: Used in data analysis and statistics
• Problem-solving skills: Develops data interpretation and graph reading abilities

Key insight from examiners: Students often struggle with constructing cumulative frequency tables or reading values from graphs. This guide will help you master these systematically.

---

Understanding Cumulative Frequency

Cumulative frequency is the running total of frequencies up to a given value.

---

Constructing Cumulative Frequency Table

Example 1: Construct cumulative frequency table from:

Score	Frequency
0-10	5
11-20	8
21-30	12
31-40	10

Solution:

Score	Frequency	Cumulative Frequency
≤10	5	5
≤20	8	13
≤30	12	25
≤40	10	35

---

Drawing Cumulative Frequency Graph

Steps:

1. Plot points using upper class boundaries
2. Join points with smooth curve
3. Label axes clearly

---

Finding Median from Cumulative Frequency Graph

Median = value at 50% of total frequency

Method:

1. Find 50% of total frequency
2. Draw horizontal line from this value
3. Read corresponding x-value from graph

Example 2: Total frequency = 100. Find median.

Solution: 50% of 100 = 50 Draw horizontal line at cumulative frequency 50 Read x-value from graph

---

Finding Quartiles

Lower quartile (Q1): Value at 25% of total frequency Upper quartile (Q3): Value at 75% of total frequency Interquartile range (IQR): Q3 - Q1

Example 3: Total frequency = 80. Find Q1, Q2, Q3.

Solution: Q1: 25% of 80 = 20 Q2 (median): 50% of 80 = 40 Q3: 75% of 80 = 60 Read values from graph at these cumulative frequencies

---

Common Examiner Traps

• Upper class boundaries - Use upper boundaries, not midpoints
• Graph reading errors - Read values carefully from graph
• Percentage errors - Calculate percentages correctly (25%, 50%, 75%)

---

Practice Questions

Question 1

Total frequency is 60. Find the median from cumulative frequency graph.

Solution: 50% of 60 = 30 Read x-value where cumulative frequency = 30

---

Tutopiya Advantage: Personalised IGCSE Cumulative Frequency Coaching

• Live whiteboard walkthroughs of cumulative frequency problems
• Exam-docket homework packs mirroring CAIE specimen papers
• Analytics dashboard so parents see accuracy by topic
• Flexible slots with ex-Cambridge markers for last-mile polishing

📞 Ready to turn shaky cumulative frequency skills into exam-ready confidence? Book a free IGCSE maths trial and accelerate your revision plan.

---

Frequently Asked Questions About IGCSE Cumulative Frequency

What is cumulative frequency?

Cumulative frequency is the running total of frequencies up to a given value.

How do I construct a cumulative frequency table?

Add frequencies cumulatively: first value stays same, each subsequent value adds previous cumulative frequency.

How do I find the median from a cumulative frequency graph?

Find 50% of total frequency, draw horizontal line, read corresponding x-value.

How do I find quartiles?

Q1 at 25%, Q2 (median) at 50%, Q3 at 75% of total frequency.

---

Related IGCSE Maths Resources

Strengthen your IGCSE Mathematics preparation with these comprehensive guides:

• IGCSE Methods of Analysing Data: Complete Guide - Master data analysis
• IGCSE Statistical Charts: Complete Guide - Master data representation
• IGCSE Maths Revision Notes, Syllabus and Preparation Tips - Complete syllabus overview, topic breakdown, and revision strategies
• IGCSE Past Papers Guide - Access free IGCSE past papers and exam resources

---

Next Steps: Master IGCSE Cumulative Frequency with Tutopiya

Ready to excel in IGCSE cumulative frequency? Our expert IGCSE maths tutors provide:

• Personalized 1-on-1 tutoring tailored to your learning pace
• Exam-focused practice with real Cambridge IGCSE past papers
• Interactive whiteboard sessions for visual learning
• Progress tracking to identify and strengthen weak areas
• Flexible scheduling to fit your revision timetable

Book a free IGCSE maths trial lesson and get personalized support to master cumulative frequency and achieve your target grade.

---