Statistics

No algebra required. These are some of the most approachable questions on the exam — just division and careful reading.

Two-way table questions give you a grid of data and ask for a percentage. The only trick is finding the right denominator. The question tells you which group to look at — that group's total goes on the bottom of your fraction.

Click here for some tips on statistics

Three steps — every time

1. Re-read the question and find the group being asked about. Underline it.

2. Add up the total for that group — that's your denominator (the bottom).

3. Find the specific part being asked about — that's your numerator (the top).

Then: percentage = (numerator / denominator) × 100

✓Before you touch the calculator: write out "part = ___, whole = ___" and fill in both numbers from the table. This one habit prevents the most common error on these questions.

Worked example

Problem: In a class of 30 students, 18 prefer math and 12 prefer English. Of the students who prefer math, 10 are in 9th grade and 8 are in 10th grade.

What percentage of the students who prefer math are in 10th grade?

Try it yourself! Below is a real Regents problem from January 2024

Problem: Mrs. Smith surveyed students about their favorite ice cream. Results: Juniors — chocolate: 42, vanilla: 27, twist: 45. Seniors — chocolate: 67, vanilla: 42, twist: 21.

Of the students who preferred chocolate, approximately what percentage were seniors?

(1) 27.5% (2) 44.7% (3) 51.5% (4) 61.5%

Let's get started.

1. Type math lines where is says "Click here to write math"

2. Press Alt/Option+Enter after typing a line of math to calculate that line, just like a calculator

3. Our AI checks your work as you go 🟢means you're on the right track, ❌means something's off.

4. Made a mistake? Use Ctl+Z to undo a line. Right click to see other shortcuts.

Click here to see the answer

Solution: Step 1: Total who chose chocolate: 42 + 67 = 109. Step 2: Seniors who chose chocolate: 67. Step 3: Calculate: 67 / 109 × 100 ≈ 61.5%

Answer: (4) 61.5%. Denominator = 109, not 244.

✗ The trap: Using 244 (all students) gives 27.5% — answer (1). It's designed to catch students who don't identify the right group. ✓ The habit: "Part = 67, whole = 109." Writing this out before calculating takes five seconds and prevents this mistake every time.

For more practice with statistics, check out these resources:

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/statistics-probability

https://www.ixl.com/math/skill-plans/new-york-regents-exams-algebra-1