Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisHardMedian above the mean
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
The data set 1, 9, 10, 12 has a mean of 8. Which statement about the median of the data set is true?
- A. The median is greater than the mean, because the single low value pulls the mean down.Correct
- B. The median is less than the mean.
- C. The median equals the mean.
- D. The median cannot be found for a set with an even number of values.
Answer: A. The median is greater than the mean, because the single low value pulls the mean down.
The median is (9 + 10)/2 = 9.5, above the mean of 8. The value 1, far below the rest, drags the mean down while leaving the middle values alone.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The median is less than the mean.
- 9.5 is greater than 8.
- C. The median equals the mean.
- The median is 9.5 and the mean is 8 — not equal.
- D. The median cannot be found for a set with an even number of values.
- With an even count, the median is the average of the two middle values.
More Problem-Solving and Data Analysis questions
- Hard
The mean of five numbers is 12. If four of them are 8, 10, 14, and 16, what is the fifth number? - Hard
In a survey of 50 people, 30 like coffee, 20 like tea, and 8 like both. How many like neither? - Hard
A car travels at 60 mph for 2 hours, then 40 mph for 3 hours. What is its average speed for the whole trip? - Hard
Which statement correctly compares the standard deviations of the two sets? - Hard
Which statement best interprets the slope of the line of best fit? - Hard
How many milliliters of the 40% acid solution must the chemist add?
Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.