Know your AP Stats Formula Sheet
Math Medic
The AP Stats formula sheet can do one of two things to a student:
1. Provide a sense of comfort and security, like a warm blanket.
2. Terrify them because they have no idea what half of the formulas are!
The key is for students to be familiar with the formula sheet BEFORE the exam. Ideally, students won’t need to reference the formula sheet often, but if they do, it’s important they can find the formulas they need quickly.
Check out this video that walks students through the formula sheet. This video is part of the Math Medic AP Statistics Exam Review Course.
Be familiar with the notation on the formula sheet
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For the binomial formula,
means “n choose x” and is equivalent to nCx (combinations). -
For probability, “⋃” means union and can be replaced with “OR”
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For probability, “⋂” means intersection and can be replaced with “AND”
Important formulas that are NOT on the formula sheet.
1. Formulas for mean and standard deviation when combining random variables (one does not simply add standard deviations).
2. Expected counts for chi-square tests.
About the Author
Luke Wilcox
Luke has 23 years of classroom experience teaching mathematics at East Kentwood High School, the #1 most diverse public school in Michigan. His teaching has been recognized with the 2013 Presidential Award and 2018 Michigan Teacher of the Year Award, allowing him the incredible opportunity to meet two different Presidents at the White House. Luke believes that math education needs a revolution, from lecture-based boring to student-centered enthusiasm. When he’s not head-down in his work supporting teachers, Luke can be found running, working on cars (he still has his ’88 Ford Escort GT from high school), traveling with his family, or enjoying a good cup of coffee.