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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisMediumWhat changes the range

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

The data set 3, 5, 7, 9 has a range of 6. Which of the following changes to the data set would INCREASE the range?

  1. A. Adding the value 12Correct
  2. B. Adding the value 6
  3. C. Adding the value 7
  4. D. Removing the value 5

Answer: A. Adding the value 12

The range is largest minus smallest. Adding 12 makes the largest value 12, so the range becomes 12 − 3 = 9.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Adding the value 6
6 lies between 3 and 9, so the largest and smallest stay the same.
C. Adding the value 7
7 is already in the set; the range is unchanged.
D. Removing the value 5
Removing 5 leaves 3 and 9 as the extremes; the range stays 6.

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