After gathering data on the number of siblings my classmates have, I found that the distribution is skewed to the right. This means that there are outliers with large numbers of siblings pulling the mean to the right. In this case, the median would be the most appropriate measure of center since it is not influenced by outliers.
For example, if the data gathered shows that the number of siblings is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 12, the mean would be (0+1+2+3+4+4+5+6+12)/9 = 3.67. The median would be the number in the middle of the data set when arranged in ascending order, which in this case would be 4.
Therefore, in this scenario, the best measure of center for the number of siblings would be the median, which is 4.
You are trying to find the average number of siblings that your classmates have. In 3-5 sentences, explain whether the distribution of the data you gathered is symmetrical or skewed and if the mean or median would be the most appropriate center. Also, calculate and state the mean and median in your response. Finally, state the best measure of the center for the number of siblings.
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