# Thread: Verbiage to indicate what formula is needed on comprehensive exam

1. ## Verbiage to indicate what formula is needed on comprehensive exam

Our Professor advised us to examine verbiage that would help us to determine which equation to use for our final exam questions. I have had a six week intensive Intro to Statistics. She is allowing us to write out equations without labeling. Any suggestions? Thank you.

2. ## Re: Verbiage to indicate what formula is needed on comprehensive exam

So you want to know how to an equation is expressed in words?

i.e. $\bar{x} = \frac{\sum x}{n}$ the sample mean is equal to the sum of all scores divided by the total number of scores.

3. ## Re: Verbiage to indicate what formula is needed on comprehensive exam

I'd like to know how to know which equation to use in a story problem. The Professor said that certain verbiage is used with certain equations. That verbiage should alert us to which equation to use.

4. ## Re: Verbiage to indicate what formula is needed on comprehensive exam

Do you mean words/phrases like

Average (arithmetic mean): $\frac{\sum_{i=0}^{n} x_i}{n}$

Standard deviation: $\sqrt{ \frac{\sum_{i=0}^{n} (x_i - \bar{x})^2}{n-1}}$

etc. ?

5. ## Re: Verbiage to indicate what formula is needed on comprehensive exam

Hi: Thanks for writing. Yes, you are on the right track. Using the standard deviation example you have, the Professor said that we should look for verbiage that offers clues as to what type of story problem would fit this equation. I know from looking at the equation that it a standard deviation. The problem that arises for the students is what type of story problem would go with this equation and others.

6. ## Re: Verbiage to indicate what formula is needed on comprehensive exam

I'm confused. So if the story problem says, "find the standard deviation," then you go from there? Or am I missing something?