To make a stemplot of these rainfall amounts, round the data to the nearest 10, so that stems are hundreds of millimeters and leaves are tens of millimeters. Make two stemplots, with and without splitting the stems. Which plot do you prefer

The two stem plots (with and without splitting the leaves) are plotted below using the data given in the attached picture :

The stem and leaf plots are given below:

Rounding the data to the nearest 10;

The values obtained are :

630, 670, 740, 650, 710, 740, 720, 700, 650, 600, 780, 780, 790, 810, 830, 860, 860, 900, 810, 790, 790, 960, 870

Ordering the data allows for easier generation of the plot.

Ordered data : 600, 630, 650, 650, 670, 700, 710, 720, 740, 740, 780, 780, 790, 790, 790, 810, 810, 830, 860, 860, 870, 900, 960

The stem plot without splitting :

STEM __ LEAF

6 ___ 00, 30, 50, 50, 70

7 ___ 00, 10, 20, 40, 40, 80, 80, 90, 90, 90

8 ___ 10, 10, 30, 60, 60, 70

9 ___ 00, 60

KEY :  6 | 00 = 600

The stem plot WITH splitting :

STEM __ LEAF

6 ___ 00, 30

6 ___ 50, 50, 70

7 ___ 00, 10, 20, 40, 40

7 ___ 80, 80, 90, 90, 90

8 ___ 10, 10, 30

8 ___ 60, 60, 70

9 ___ 00

9 ___ 60

KEY :  6 | 00 = 600

The stem plot with splitting gives a cleaner and more arranged output of the data as the values aren't congested on a single line.

Learn more on stem and leaf plot :