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Question

Three dot plots labeled as A, B, and C each have a number line with arrows at both ends ranging from 5 to 12 in one-unit increments. Vertical columns of closed dots are plotted above certain numbers.

The median is the best measure of center for which data set?

(1 point)
Responses

data set B because the distribution is the flattest
data set B because the distribution is the flattest

data set A because the distribution is nearly symmetric
data set A because the distribution is nearly symmetric

data set B because the range is largest
data set B because the range is largest

data set C because the distribution is skewed
data set C because the distribution is skewed
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Answer 1

To determine the best measure of center for the data sets labeled A, B, and C from the dot plots, we need to consider the characteristics of each distribution.

The median is generally the best measure of center for skewed distributions or when there are outliers because it is not affected by extreme values. In contrast, the mean is more appropriate for symmetric distributions without outliers.

1. If data set A is nearly symmetric, the mean would also be a good measure of central tendency, making the median less essential.
2. If data set B has a flat distribution, the mean and median are likely to be close, so either could be used.
3. If data set C is skewed, then the median would be the best choice since it would accurately reflect the center without being affected by the skewness of the data.

Given this information, the correct answer to the question would most likely be: data set C because the distribution is skewed. This indicates that the median would effectively represent the center of the data in set C.