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An illustration shows two sets of dot plots. One is titled Weight in Pounds, Cats and the other is Weight in Pounds, Small Dogs. The plots are shown as an abacus-like representation with dots in a vertical row over each number on a number line. For Cats, a number line with arrows on both ends ranges from 9 to 13 in increments of 1. There is 1 dot above 9, 2 dots above 10, 4 dots above 11, 2 dots above 12, and one dot above 13. For Small Dogs, a number line with arrows on both ends ranges from 8 to 15 in increments of 1. There is 1 dot above 8, 2 dots above 9, 4 dots above 10, 2 dots above 11, 2 dots above 12, 2 dots above 13, 1 dot above 14, and 1 dot above 15.

The dot plots show the weights of randomly selected cats and small dogs in different households. Based on an informal assessment of the visual overlap of these distributions, which animal has the least variability in their weights? Why?

(1 point)
Responses

Small dogs, because the range of their weights is greater than that of cats.
Small dogs, because the range of their weights is greater than that of cats.

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

Cats, because the range of their weights is greater than that of small dogs.
Cats, because the range of their weights is greater than that of small dogs.

Small dogs, because the range of their weights is less than that of cats.

1 answer

To determine which animal has the least variability in their weights, we can compare the ranges of the weights as indicated by the dot plots.

For the Cats:

  • The weights range from 9 to 13, giving a range of 13 - 9 = 4 pounds.

For the Small Dogs:

  • The weights range from 8 to 15, giving a range of 15 - 8 = 7 pounds.

Since the range of the weights for cats (4 pounds) is less than that of small dogs (7 pounds), this indicates that the weights of cats are more tightly clustered (less variable) compared to small dogs.

Based on this assessment, the correct response is:

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