16Hit1600
Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardSet whose mean exceeds its median

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

For which of the following data sets is the mean GREATER than the median?

  1. A. 1, 2, 3, 10Correct
  2. B. 1, 2, 3, 4
  3. C. 1, 8, 9, 10
  4. D. 5, 5, 5, 5

Answer: A. 1, 2, 3, 10

1, 2, 3, 10 has median (2 + 3)/2 = 2.5 and mean 16/4 = 4. The large value 10 pulls the mean above the median.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 1, 2, 3, 4
1, 2, 3, 4 is evenly spaced: mean and median are both 2.5.
C. 1, 8, 9, 10
1, 8, 9, 10 has median 8.5 and mean 7 — the small value pulls the mean BELOW the median.
D. 5, 5, 5, 5
All values equal: mean and median are both 5.

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