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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasyWhat a mean hides

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

A school reports that the mean score on a test was 70. A parent concludes that every pupil scored about 70. What is wrong with the parent's conclusion?

  1. A. A mean says nothing about how spread out the scores are; some may be far above or below 70.Correct
  2. B. Means are always wrong.
  3. C. The school should have reported the highest score only.
  4. D. 70 is not a possible mean.

Answer: A. A mean says nothing about how spread out the scores are; some may be far above or below 70.

The average can come from scores that vary widely.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Means are always wrong.
Means are useful, just incomplete.
C. The school should have reported the highest score only.
The highest score would say even less.
D. 70 is not a possible mean.
70 is a perfectly possible mean.

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