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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyA mean that rises while most values fall

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

In a town, the average (mean) house price rose last year, yet most houses sold for less than the year before. Which explanation is possible?

  1. A. A few very expensive sales pulled the mean up.Correct
  2. B. The mean cannot rise if most prices fall.
  3. C. Every house price rose.
  4. D. No houses were sold.

Answer: A. A few very expensive sales pulled the mean up.

The mean is sensitive to a few large values.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The mean cannot rise if most prices fall.
It can, because of large values.
C. Every house price rose.
Most prices fell.
D. No houses were sold.
Then there would be no average.

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