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
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 greater than that of cats.
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.
Small dogs, because the range of their weights is less than that of cats.
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1 answer
The correct response is:
Cats, because the range of their weights is less than that of small dogs.
This conclusion is based on the observation that the weight of cats ranges from 9 to 13 pounds, which gives a range of 4 pounds. In contrast, the weight of small dogs ranges from 8 to 15 pounds, resulting in a range of 7 pounds. Since the variability is often assessed by the range of weights, the cats exhibit less variability in their weights compared to the small dogs.
