Lists let you store data sets, generate sequences, and compute statistics without re-entering values - essential for grouped data and frequency tables.
In short: Lists store a set of values that other GDC tools can use, such as statistics, regression and sequences. You enter data directly, or fill a list using a formula based on another list. Use lists to avoid retyping data, and clear old lists before starting so stale values do not affect your results.
When you'd use this
Data comes as a frequency table (values with how many times each occurs), not a plain list.
Generating a sequence of values automatically instead of typing each one.
Running one-variable or two-variable statistics on data you've stored as lists.
Reusing the same data set for several different calculations without retyping it.
At a glance: TI-84 Plus CE, Casio fx-CG50 and TI-Nspire CX compared
TI-84 Plus CE
Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100
TI-Nspire CX
Key sequence
2nd → STAT (LIST) → OPS → 5:seq(expression, variable, start, end) generates a list from a formula, e.g. seq(X², X, 1, 10). For grouped data, put midpoints in L1 and frequencies in L2, then run 1-Var Stats L1, L2.
In Statistics list editor, enter data directly; OPTN → LIST → Seq( builds a list from a formula. For frequency data, put midpoints in List 1 and frequencies in List 2.
In a Lists & Spreadsheet page, type a formula in the header row (e.g. = seq(x², x, 1, 10)) to fill the column automatically. Use two columns for midpoints and frequencies.
On a TI-84 Plus CE
Enter data manually: go to the list editor and type values one by one.
2nd → STAT (LIST) → OPS → 5:seq(expression, variable, start, end) generates a list from a formula, e.g. seq(X², X, 1, 10). For grouped data, put midpoints in L1 and frequencies in L2, then run 1-Var Stats L1, L2.
For frequency data (grouped), enter midpoints in one list and frequencies in another, then reference both lists when running 1-Var Stats.
To sort a list ascending: SortA(L1) on TI-84; menu → List → Sort Ascending on Nspire.
Sum a list: sum(L1) on TI-84; sum() on Nspire; OPTN → LIST → Sum on Casio.
Tip: For cumulative frequency or working out Σfx by hand - don't. Store midpoints in L1, frequencies in L2, and let 1-Var Stats do it all.
On a Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100
Enter data manually: go to the list editor and type values one by one.
In Statistics list editor, enter data directly; OPTN → LIST → Seq( builds a list from a formula. For frequency data, put midpoints in List 1 and frequencies in List 2.
For frequency data (grouped), enter midpoints in one list and frequencies in another, then reference both lists when running 1-Var Stats.
To sort a list ascending: SortA(L1) on TI-84; menu → List → Sort Ascending on Nspire.
Sum a list: sum(L1) on TI-84; sum() on Nspire; OPTN → LIST → Sum on Casio.
Tip: For cumulative frequency or working out Σfx by hand - don't. Store midpoints in L1, frequencies in L2, and let 1-Var Stats do it all.
On a TI-Nspire CX
Enter data manually: go to the list editor and type values one by one.
In a Lists & Spreadsheet page, type a formula in the header row (e.g. = seq(x², x, 1, 10)) to fill the column automatically. Use two columns for midpoints and frequencies.
For frequency data (grouped), enter midpoints in one list and frequencies in another, then reference both lists when running 1-Var Stats.
To sort a list ascending: SortA(L1) on TI-84; menu → List → Sort Ascending on Nspire.
Sum a list: sum(L1) on TI-84; sum() on Nspire; OPTN → LIST → Sum on Casio.
Tip: For cumulative frequency or working out Σfx by hand - don't. Store midpoints in L1, frequencies in L2, and let 1-Var Stats do it all.
Here's a real IB-style question that uses exactly this technique.
EasyCalculatorPaper 2[2 marks]
The value 2 occurs once, 4 occurs twice, 6 occurs once, 8 occurs three times, and 10 occurs once. Enter this as a value list and a frequency list, and find the mean.
Mean = 6.25
Mark it
Correct2 / 2 marks
Worked solution & mark scheme:
M1 Enter values {2,4,6,8,10} with frequencies {1,2,1,3,1}
A1 Mean = 6.25
Common questions
When would I need to build and manipulate lists in IB Maths?
Lists let you store data sets, generate sequences, and compute statistics without re-entering values - essential for grouped data and frequency tables. Data comes as a frequency table (values with how many times each occurs), not a plain list. Generating a sequence of values automatically instead of typing each one.
How do I build and manipulate lists on a TI-84 Plus CE?
1. Enter data manually: go to the list editor and type values one by one. 2. 2nd → STAT (LIST) → OPS → 5:seq(expression, variable, start, end) generates a list from a formula, e.g. seq(X², X, 1, 10). For grouped data, put midpoints in L1 and frequencies in L2, then run 1-Var Stats L1, L2. 3. For frequency data (grouped), enter midpoints in one list and frequencies in another, then reference both lists when running 1-Var Stats. 4. To sort a list ascending: SortA(L1) on TI-84; menu → List → Sort Ascending on Nspire. 5. Sum a list: sum(L1) on TI-84; sum() on Nspire; OPTN → LIST → Sum on Casio.
How do I build and manipulate lists on a Casio fx-CG50 and fx-CG100?
1. Enter data manually: go to the list editor and type values one by one. 2. In Statistics list editor, enter data directly; OPTN → LIST → Seq( builds a list from a formula. For frequency data, put midpoints in List 1 and frequencies in List 2. 3. For frequency data (grouped), enter midpoints in one list and frequencies in another, then reference both lists when running 1-Var Stats. 4. To sort a list ascending: SortA(L1) on TI-84; menu → List → Sort Ascending on Nspire. 5. Sum a list: sum(L1) on TI-84; sum() on Nspire; OPTN → LIST → Sum on Casio.
How do I build and manipulate lists on a TI-Nspire CX?
1. Enter data manually: go to the list editor and type values one by one. 2. In a Lists & Spreadsheet page, type a formula in the header row (e.g. = seq(x², x, 1, 10)) to fill the column automatically. Use two columns for midpoints and frequencies. 3. For frequency data (grouped), enter midpoints in one list and frequencies in another, then reference both lists when running 1-Var Stats. 4. To sort a list ascending: SortA(L1) on TI-84; menu → List → Sort Ascending on Nspire. 5. Sum a list: sum(L1) on TI-84; sum() on Nspire; OPTN → LIST → Sum on Casio.
What should I watch out for when I build and manipulate lists?
For cumulative frequency or working out Σfx by hand - don't. Store midpoints in L1, frequencies in L2, and let 1-Var Stats do it all.
How are marks awarded when I build and manipulate lists in an IB exam?
In the worked example on this page (2 marks, Paper 2), the marks are: M1: Enter values {2,4,6,8,10} with frequencies {1,2,1,3,1}; A1: Mean = 6.25.
