To find the range of a data set, follow these steps:
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Identify the maximum value: Determine the highest number in your data set.
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Identify the minimum value: Determine the lowest number in your data set.
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Calculate the range: Subtract the minimum value from the maximum value using the formula: \[ \text{Range} = \text{Maximum Value} - \text{Minimum Value} \]
Example:
Consider the following data set: 3, 7, 2, 9, 5.
- Maximum value: 9
- Minimum value: 2
- Calculate the range: \[ \text{Range} = 9 - 2 = 7 \]
So, the range of this data set is 7.
Key Points:
- The range provides a measure of how spread out the values are in the data set.
- It is sensitive to extreme values (outliers), which can significantly affect the range.