Frequency trees
I can draw and use a frequency tree to calculate probabilities.
Frequency trees
I can draw and use a frequency tree to calculate probabilities.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are key differences between frequency trees and probability trees
- Frequency trees are constructed using frequencies
- Frequency trees display information on how often an outcome happened within a set number of trials
Keywords
Frequency - The frequency is the number of times an event occurs; or the number of individuals (people, animals etc.) with some specific property.
Tree diagram - Tree diagrams are a representation used to model statistical/probability questions. Branches represent different possible events or outcomes.
Probability - The probability that an event will occur is the proportion of times the event is expected to happen in a suitably large experiment.
Common misconception
Pupils may be tempted to always use the total frequency from a tree as the denominator of any fraction.
The denominator of the fraction should be the total frequency of the group that is being selected from. This could be the total population or it could be a subgroup of the population.
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Frequency trees, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 maths lesson on: Frequency trees, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 maths lessons from the Conditional probability unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions




Exit quiz
6 Questions




$$a$$ -
96
$$b$$ -
98
$$c$$ -
94
total frequency -
400

$$n$$ -
200
$$p$$ -
30
$$q$$ -
150
$$r$$ -
40
$$s$$ -
160

$$a$$ -
90
$$b$$ -
60
$$c$$ -
28
$$d$$ -
22
$$e$$ -
38