Given the mean of a data set is 254 and has a standard deviation of 12, which of the following data points would result in a z-score that indicates the data point is 2 standard deviations below the mean? (1 point)

Ο 24

Ο 278

Ο 19.167

Ο 230

1 answer

To determine which data point results in a z-score that indicates it is 2 standard deviations below the mean, we can use the formula for calculating a z-score:

\[ z = \frac{(X - \mu)}{\sigma} \]

where:

  • \( z \) is the z-score,
  • \( X \) is the data point,
  • \( \mu \) is the mean,
  • \( \sigma \) is the standard deviation.

Given:

  • Mean (\( \mu \)) = 254
  • Standard Deviation (\( \sigma \)) = 12

A z-score of -2 (indicating 2 standard deviations below the mean) can be calculated as follows:

\[ -2 = \frac{(X - 254)}{12} \]

Multiplying both sides by 12 gives:

\[ -24 = X - 254 \]

Adding 254 to both sides, we find:

\[ X = 254 - 24 = 230 \]

So, the data point that results in a z-score of -2 (2 standard deviations below the mean) is 230.