To determine which data sets are best represented by the mean, we need to consider the characteristics of the mean. The mean is calculated by adding up all the values in a data set and then dividing by the number of values. It is influenced by every value in the data set and is sensitive to outliers.
Therefore, the data sets that are best represented by the mean are those that meet the following criteria:
1. The data set does not contain extreme outliers that significantly differ from the other values.
2. The values in the data set are relatively evenly distributed and there is not a large variation or skewness present.
Based on these criteria, the following options are best represented by the mean:
- Data set A: [2, 4, 6, 8, 10] (No extreme outliers and even distribution of values)
- Data set D: [3, 3, 3, 3, 3] (No extreme outliers and all values are the same, indicating a consistent value)
Which of the following data sets is best represented by the mean? Select two that apply.
1 answer