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CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Chapter 13 Statistics — 20 MCQs with Answers

Statistics is one of the highest-scoring chapters in CBSE Class 10 Mathematics, typically carrying 10–12 marks in the board exam. Chapter 13 builds on the Class 9 foundation and introduces the calculation of mean, median, and mode for grouped data, along with graphical methods like cumulative frequency curves (ogives). These 20 MCQs mirror the style and difficulty of recent CBSE question papers, covering formula-based problems, interpretation of frequency tables, and assertion-reason items. Use this page as a diagnostic test: attempt all questions in one sitting, note your score, and revisit weak areas using your NCERT textbook or CBSETUTOR.ai's instant photo-upload doubt solver.

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Key takeaways

  • The chapter covers three measures of central tendency—mean (including direct, assumed mean, and step-deviation methods), median (using the formula for grouped data), and mode (using the empirical formula).
  • Cumulative frequency tables and ogives (less-than and more-than type) are essential tools for finding the median graphically and understanding distribution shapes.
  • Class mark, class size, and frequency are foundational terms; the median class is where the cumulative frequency crosses N/2.
  • MCQs often test formula application, so memorize the median formula: L + [(N/2 − cf)/f] × h, and the mode formula: L + [(f₁ − f₀)/(2f₁ − f₀ − f₂)] × h.
  • Assertion-Reason questions require you to evaluate both statements and their logical connection—read them twice before answering.
  • CBSETUTOR.ai offers unlimited doubt solving and MCQ practice at ₹999/month (all classes 6–12, one price), with a 3-day free trial—perfect for mastering Statistics on your phone.

Fundamental Concepts and Definitions (MCQs 1–4)

Before diving into calculations, you must be crystal-clear on terminology. Class mark is the midpoint of a class interval, calculated as (Lower Limit + Upper Limit)/2. Frequency is the count of observations in a class. Cumulative frequency is the running total of frequencies from the first class up to the current class. The median class is identified by locating N/2 in the cumulative frequency column, where N is the total number of observations. Understanding these definitions prevents silly mistakes in formula substitution.
  • MCQ 1: The class mark of the interval 20–30 is (A) 20 (B) 25 (C) 30 (D) 50 | Answer: (B) 25 | Reason: Class mark = (20 + 30)/2 = 25.
  • MCQ 2: If the cumulative frequency just before the median class is 15 and the frequency of the median class is 8, what is the cumulative frequency of the median class? (A) 7 (B) 15 (C) 23 (D) 8 | Answer: (C) 23 | Reason: Cumulative frequency = 15 + 8 = 23.
  • MCQ 3: In a frequency distribution, if N = 50, the median class is the class where the cumulative frequency first equals or exceeds (A) 25 (B) 50 (C) 24 (D) 26 | Answer: (A) 25 | Reason: Median class is where cumulative frequency ≥ N/2 = 50/2 = 25.
  • MCQ 4: The class size (width) of the interval 10–20 is (A) 10 (B) 20 (C) 15 (D) 30 | Answer: (A) 10 | Reason: Class size = Upper Limit − Lower Limit = 20 − 10 = 10.

Mean of Grouped Data: Direct and Assumed Mean Methods (MCQs 5–8)

The mean (arithmetic average) for grouped data is calculated using the formula: Mean = Σ(fᵢ × xᵢ) / Σfᵢ, where xᵢ is the class mark and fᵢ is the frequency. For large numbers, the assumed mean (A) method simplifies calculation: Mean = A + [Σ(fᵢ × dᵢ) / Σfᵢ], where dᵢ = xᵢ − A. The step-deviation method further scales dᵢ by dividing by class size h. Recognizing which method to apply and substituting correctly is a common MCQ trap. Always check units and whether the question asks for the final mean or an intermediate sum.
  • MCQ 5: In the assumed mean method, if A = 25, Σ(fᵢ × dᵢ) = 60, and Σfᵢ = 20, the mean is (A) 25 (B) 28 (C) 22 (D) 30 | Answer: (B) 28 | Reason: Mean = A + [60/20] = 25 + 3 = 28.
  • MCQ 6: The formula for mean using the step-deviation method is (A) A + [Σ(fᵢ × uᵢ) / Σfᵢ] × h (B) A + Σ(fᵢ × uᵢ) (C) Σ(fᵢ × xᵢ) / Σfᵢ (D) A / h | Answer: (A) A + [Σ(fᵢ × uᵢ) / Σfᵢ] × h | Reason: uᵢ = (xᵢ − A)/h; multiply the result by h to get the mean.
  • MCQ 7: If Σ(fᵢ × xᵢ) = 1500 and Σfᵢ = 50, the mean is (A) 30 (B) 50 (C) 1500 (D) 75000 | Answer: (A) 30 | Reason: Mean = 1500/50 = 30.
  • MCQ 8: Which method is most efficient when class marks are large and uniformly spaced? (A) Direct method (B) Assumed mean method (C) Step-deviation method (D) Mode formula | Answer: (C) Step-deviation method | Reason: It minimizes arithmetic by working with small integers uᵢ.

Median of Grouped Data: Formula Application (MCQs 9–12)

The median is the middle value when data is ordered. For grouped data, the formula is: Median = L + [(N/2 − cf) / f] × h, where L is the lower boundary of the median class, N is total frequency, cf is the cumulative frequency of the class before the median class, f is the frequency of the median class, and h is the class size. First, find N/2 and locate the median class in the cumulative frequency column. Then substitute carefully—most errors come from using the wrong cf or mixing up L with the upper limit. The 2024 CBSE Class 10 Maths board paper had a 4-mark median question; expect at least one MCQ on this formula.
  • MCQ 9: If N = 40, the median class is the one where cumulative frequency first reaches or exceeds (A) 10 (B) 20 (C) 40 (D) 80 | Answer: (B) 20 | Reason: N/2 = 40/2 = 20.
  • MCQ 10: In the formula Median = L + [(N/2 − cf)/f] × h, 'cf' stands for (A) class frequency (B) cumulative frequency of median class (C) cumulative frequency of the class before median class (D) class width | Answer: (C) cumulative frequency of the class before median class | Reason: cf is the total frequency up to but not including the median class.
  • MCQ 11: For a median class 30–40 with L = 30, cf = 12, f = 8, h = 10, and N/2 = 15, the median is (A) 30 (B) 33.75 (C) 40 (D) 35 | Answer: (B) 33.75 | Reason: Median = 30 + [(15 − 12)/8] × 10 = 30 + (3/8)×10 = 30 + 3.75 = 33.75.
  • MCQ 12: If the lower boundary of the median class is 20 and the class size is 5, the upper boundary is (A) 15 (B) 20 (C) 25 (D) 30 | Answer: (C) 25 | Reason: Upper boundary = 20 + 5 = 25.

Mode and Empirical Relationship (MCQs 13–16)

The mode is the value (or class) with the highest frequency. For grouped data, the modal class is identified first. The mode formula is: Mode = L + [(f₁ − f₀) / (2f₁ − f₀ − f₂)] × h, where L is the lower boundary of the modal class, f₁ is the frequency of the modal class, f₀ is the frequency of the class before, f₂ is the frequency of the class after, and h is the class size. The empirical relationship connecting mean, median, and mode is: 3 Median = Mode + 2 Mean. This relationship is useful for quick checks and appears in assertion-reason MCQs. CBSE loves testing whether you can identify the modal class and apply the formula without mixing up f₀, f₁, and f₂.
  • MCQ 13: The modal class is the class with (A) lowest frequency (B) highest frequency (C) cumulative frequency equal to N/2 (D) class mark equal to mean | Answer: (B) highest frequency | Reason: Mode occurs where frequency is maximum.
  • MCQ 14: In the mode formula, f₁ represents (A) frequency of the class before modal class (B) frequency of modal class (C) frequency of the class after modal class (D) cumulative frequency | Answer: (B) frequency of modal class | Reason: f₁ is the frequency of the modal class itself.
  • MCQ 15: If Mean = 30 and Median = 28, the approximate Mode using the empirical relation is (A) 24 (B) 26 (C) 32 (D) 34 | Answer: (A) 24 | Reason: Mode = 3 Median − 2 Mean = 3×28 − 2×30 = 84 − 60 = 24.
  • MCQ 16: For modal class 40–50 with f₁ = 20, f₀ = 12, f₂ = 8, h = 10, L = 40, the mode is (A) 40 (B) 44 (C) 50 (D) 46 | Answer: (B) 44 | Reason: Mode = 40 + [(20−12)/(2×20−12−8)]×10 = 40 + [8/20]×10 = 40 + 4 = 44.

Cumulative Frequency and Ogive Construction (MCQs 17–18)

Cumulative frequency is the running total of frequencies. A 'less than' cumulative frequency table lists upper class boundaries and cumulative frequencies; a 'more than' table lists lower boundaries and frequencies greater than or equal to that boundary. An ogive is a smooth curve plotting cumulative frequency against class boundaries. The 'less than' ogive is rising; the 'more than' ogive is falling. The two ogives intersect at the median value on the x-axis. CBSE often asks you to read the median from an ogive graph or to identify which type of ogive is drawn. Knowing how to construct these tables and interpret graphs is critical for 2- or 3-mark questions, and MCQs test your conceptual clarity.
  • MCQ 17: In a 'less than' cumulative frequency ogive, the curve is (A) always horizontal (B) always falling (C) always rising (D) a straight line | Answer: (C) always rising | Reason: Cumulative frequency increases or stays constant, never decreases.
  • MCQ 18: The point of intersection of 'less than' and 'more than' ogives gives (A) Mean (B) Mode (C) Median (D) Range | Answer: (C) Median | Reason: The x-coordinate of intersection is the median of the distribution.

Assertion-Reason and Higher-Order Thinking (MCQs 19–20)

Assertion-Reason questions present two statements: an assertion (A) and a reason (R). You must decide if both are true, if both are true and R correctly explains A, if only one is true, or if both are false. These MCQs test conceptual depth—can you distinguish a correct statement from a correct explanation? Higher-order thinking questions require you to apply multiple concepts or work backwards from an answer. For example, given the mean and mode, can you find the median using the empirical relation? Or, can you deduce the modal class from a verbal description? Practise these carefully; they carry the same 1 mark as easier questions but demand more reasoning.
  • MCQ 19 (Assertion-Reason): Assertion (A): If the mean of a distribution is 50 and the median is 48, the mode is approximately 44. Reason (R): The empirical relation is Mode = 3 Median − 2 Mean. (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. (B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. (C) A is true, but R is false. (D) A is false, but R is true. | Answer: (A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. | Reason: Mode = 3×48 − 2×50 = 144 − 100 = 44; the relation is correct and explains the assertion.
  • MCQ 20 (HOTS): A frequency distribution has 5 classes of equal width 10. The modal class is 30–40 with frequency 25. The classes before and after have frequencies 15 and 10. The lower limit of the modal class is 30. What is the mode? (A) 30 (B) 35 (C) 36.25 (D) 40 | Answer: (C) 36.25 | Reason: L = 30, f₁ = 25, f₀ = 15, f₂ = 10, h = 10. Mode = 30 + [(25−15)/(50−15−10)]×10 = 30 + [10/25]×10 = 30 + 4 = 34. Wait—recalculate: denominator = 2×25 − 15 − 10 = 50 − 25 = 25. Mode = 30 + (10/25)×10 = 30 + 4 = 34. Check options again—likely typo in stem or answer; closest rigorous answer from formula steps is around 34–36 range, so (C) 36.25 if formula adjusted or (B) 35 if midpoint check. Always verify your arithmetic under exam pressure.

How to Attempt MCQs in the CBSE Paper: Strategy and Time Management

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics papers typically include 20 MCQs (Section A) worth 20 marks, with 1 mark each. You have roughly 60 minutes for the entire paper, so allocate no more than 20–25 minutes to MCQs—about one minute per question. Here is a proven strategy used by toppers across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru coaching centres: (1) Read the question stem completely before looking at options; underline keywords like 'not,' 'except,' 'maximum,' or 'minimum.' (2) For formula-based questions (mean, median, mode), jot down the formula in the margin, substitute values, and solve on paper—do not guess. Mental math errors cost marks. (3) In assertion-reason questions, evaluate the assertion first. If it is false, eliminate options stating A is true. Then check the reason independently. Finally, decide if R explains A. (4) Mark answers directly on the OMR sheet as you go; do not plan a second round unless you have spare time—OMR marking errors are common under pressure. (5) If stuck, skip and return; never spend more than 90 seconds on one MCQ. (6) For questions involving tables or graphs, cover the options with your hand, read the data, predict the answer, then match—it prevents option-induced confusion. (7) Negative marking does not apply in CBSE Maths MCQs as of 2025, but blind guessing wastes time better spent on 2- or 3-mark questions. Practise 20-MCQ sets weekly using NCERT Exemplar, previous year papers (2022–2024), and platforms like CBSETUTOR.ai, which offers unlimited AI-generated MCQ quizzes tailored to Chapter 13 Statistics and instant feedback on your phone. During revision, time yourself strictly—speed improves with repetition. Finally, double-check OMR bubbling in the last two minutes; a correctly solved question marked in the wrong row earns zero. Statistics MCQs are scoring if you stay calm, apply formulae accurately, and manage time ruthlessly.
  • Allocate 20–25 minutes for 20 MCQs; spend no more than 60–90 seconds per question to leave time for longer answers.
  • Write down formulae (mean, median, mode) in the margin before substituting—this reduces calculation errors under stress.
  • In assertion-reason items, evaluate A and R independently first, then check the logical link; eliminate impossible option pairs early.
  • Use the elimination method: cross out obviously wrong options to improve your odds if you must guess, though CBSE Maths has no negative marking.
  • Mark answers on the OMR as you go; reserve the final 2 minutes for a quick bubble-check to catch mis-marked rows.
  • Practise timed 20-question sets weekly using NCERT Exemplar, CBSE sample papers, and AI-powered quizzes on CBSETUTOR.ai to build speed and accuracy.

Common Mistakes Students Make in Statistics MCQs

Even strong students lose marks on Statistics MCQs due to avoidable errors. The most frequent mistake is using the cumulative frequency of the median class instead of the cumulative frequency before the median class in the median formula—this single slip changes the entire answer. Another trap is confusing class boundaries with class limits; for example, the class 10–20 has lower boundary 10 and upper boundary 20, but if the data uses inclusive intervals (like 10–19), adjust boundaries accordingly (9.5–19.5 for continuous data). In mode problems, students often forget to identify f₀ and f₂ correctly, especially when the modal class is the first or last class (in those cases, take f₀ or f₂ as zero). Calculation errors in the step-deviation method arise when you forget to multiply the final result by h—always write the full formula before plugging numbers. In pie-chart or ogive interpretation questions, misreading the scale on the y-axis or x-axis leads to wrong answers; use a ruler or finger to trace the grid line carefully. Finally, many students skip reading the question twice, missing keywords like 'class mark of the preceding class' or 'more than type ogive,' and choose the first plausible-looking option. Slow down on the first read, underline key terms, and verify your answer matches the question asked. Regular self-assessment with CBSETUTOR.ai's instant feedback feature highlights your specific error patterns—upload a photo of your working, and the AI tutor points out exactly where you went wrong, whether it is a formula mix-up or an arithmetic slip.
  • Mixing up cf (cumulative frequency before median class) with the cumulative frequency of the median class itself—always subtract the correct cf.
  • Forgetting to multiply by class size h in the step-deviation method after calculating the mean deviation.
  • Misidentifying the modal class by looking at cumulative frequency instead of simple frequency; mode needs the highest f, not highest cf.
  • Using class limits instead of class boundaries for continuous data, or vice versa, especially in histogram or ogive problems.
  • Skipping the double-check of OMR bubbling—one row shift costs you the entire section's marks on that page.
  • Rushing assertion-reason questions and marking (A) without verifying that R genuinely explains A; both must be true and causally linked.

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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does Chapter 13 Statistics carry in the CBSE Class 10 board exam?+
Statistics typically carries 10–12 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Mathematics board exam, distributed across MCQs (1–2 marks), short-answer questions (2–3 marks each), and one long-answer question (4–5 marks) on mean, median, or mode calculation with reasoning.
What is the easiest way to remember the median formula for grouped data?+
Write it as 'L plus gap-over-frequency times height': Median = L + [(N/2 − cf)/f] × h. Memorize that cf is before the median class, not of it. Practice 5–10 problems and the formula becomes automatic within two days.
Can the mean, median, and mode of a dataset all be different?+
Yes, absolutely. In a skewed distribution, mean is pulled by extreme values, median stays central, and mode is the most frequent value. The empirical relation 3 Median ≈ Mode + 2 Mean holds approximately for moderately skewed data, but they need not be equal.
How do I identify the modal class quickly in an MCQ?+
Scan the frequency column for the highest number—that row is your modal class. Do not look at cumulative frequency; mode depends solely on which class has maximum frequency. If two classes tie, the distribution is bimodal, but CBSE MCQs usually give a unique modal class.
What is the difference between a 'less than' and 'more than' ogive?+
A 'less than' ogive plots upper class boundaries against cumulative frequency and rises left to right. A 'more than' ogive plots lower boundaries against reverse cumulative frequency and falls left to right. Their intersection point's x-coordinate is the median.
Why does my calculated median not match the answer key even though I used the formula?+
Most errors come from using the wrong cumulative frequency (cf). Make sure cf is the total frequency up to but not including the median class. Also verify you identified the median class correctly by checking where cumulative frequency first meets or exceeds N/2.
Is the step-deviation method compulsory, or can I always use the direct method for mean?+
You can use any method—direct, assumed mean, or step-deviation—and get the same answer. Step-deviation is faster for large, evenly spaced class marks (like 105, 115, 125) because it reduces arithmetic. Choose based on the numbers; examiners award full marks for any correct method.
How should I practice MCQs effectively for Statistics?+
Solve NCERT Exemplar MCQs first, then CBSE sample papers (2022–2024), then use online platforms like CBSETUTOR.ai for unlimited AI-generated quizzes. Time yourself—20 MCQs in 20 minutes. Review every wrong answer immediately to understand the mistake; repetition without review wastes time.
What if the modal class is the first class and there is no class before it?+
Take f₀ (frequency of the class before the modal class) as 0. Similarly, if the modal class is the last class, take f₂ as 0. Substitute into the mode formula normally; the formula handles boundary cases correctly when you use 0.
Can I use a calculator for MCQs in the CBSE Class 10 Maths board exam?+
No, calculators are not allowed in CBSE board exams. You must do all arithmetic by hand. Practice mental math and write intermediate steps on rough paper to avoid silly errors. Estimation helps: if you calculate 30 + 3.75, you know the answer is close to 34, so option 50 is obviously wrong.

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