To determine the error Noah made while finding the median, we need to consider the steps involved in calculating the median. The median is the middle number in a sorted list of numbers.
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Put the numbers in order: This is the first step. If Noah did not put the numbers in order, he would not correctly identify the middle number.
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Cross off high/low pairs: After sorting, he typically crosses off the highest and lowest numbers until he reaches the middle. If he did this incorrectly, it could lead him to the wrong median.
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Count the quantity: If he left out a number, it could skew the count, leading to an incorrect median.
To accurately assess Noah's work, we would need to see the list of numbers he was working with and how he applied these steps. Based on what we know, we can conclude:
- If the numbers were not sorted before he tried to find the median, then he made a mistake by not ordering them first.
- If he sorted them correctly but incorrectly matched high/low pairs, that would also be an error.
- Leaving out a number would also lead to an error.
Given just the options available, without the specifics of Noah's method and numbers, any of these statements could potentially be true. However, a common mistake when finding the median is indeed failing to put the numbers in order first.
If we are to choose from the options you provided without further context, the safest assumption based on typical errors in finding the median might be: "He forgot to put the numbers in order first."