Question

The dot plot show the weights of randomly selected cats and dogs in different households. Based on an informal assessment of the visual overlap of these distributions, which animal has the least variabilies in their weights? Why?
Weight in pounds for cats shows- on a timeline 9- 1 dot,10 - 2dots, 11- 4 dots, 12- 2 dots ,13-1 dot
Weight in pounds for small dogs- on a time line - 8- 1 dot, 9- 2 dots, 10- 4 dots, 11- 2 dots, 12- 2 dots, 13- 2 dots, 14- dots, 15- 1 dot.
Small dogs, because the range of their weights is greater than that of cats.
Small dogs,because the range of their weights is less than that of cats.
Cats, because the range of their weights is greater than that of small dogs.
Cats, because the range of their weights is less than that of small dogs.

Answer 1

To determine which animal has the least variability in their weights, we should focus on the ranges and the distribution of the weights as shown in the dot plots provided.

**Cats' weights:**
- 9 lbs: 1 dot
- 10 lbs: 2 dots
- 11 lbs: 4 dots
- 12 lbs: 2 dots
- 13 lbs: 1 dot

Weight range for cats: 9 lbs to 13 lbs (total range = 4 lbs).

**Small dogs' weights:**
- 8 lbs: 1 dot
- 9 lbs: 2 dots
- 10 lbs: 4 dots
- 11 lbs: 2 dots
- 12 lbs: 2 dots
- 13 lbs: 2 dots
- 14 lbs: 1 dot
- 15 lbs: 1 dot

Weight range for small dogs: 8 lbs to 15 lbs (total range = 7 lbs).

The variability of a dataset can be indicated by how spread out the values are, often quantified as the range (the difference between the maximum and minimum values). In this case, we see that:
- Cats have a range of 4 lbs.
- Small dogs have a larger range of 7 lbs.

Thus, the correct statement regarding which animal has the least variability in their weights is:

**"Cats, because the range of their weights is less than that of small dogs."**