Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumEffect of one larger value on mean and median
Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question
The heights, in centimetres, of five plants are 12, 15, 15, 18, and 20. If the tallest plant were 30 centimetres instead of 20, which of the following would be true?
- A. The mean would increase and the median would stay the same.Correct
- B. Both the mean and the median would increase.
- C. The median would increase and the mean would stay the same.
- D. Neither the mean nor the median would change.
Answer: A. The mean would increase and the median would stay the same.
The sum rises, so the mean rises; the middle value is still 15.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. Both the mean and the median would increase.
- The middle value is unchanged.
- C. The median would increase and the mean would stay the same.
- The mean changes because the sum changes.
- D. Neither the mean nor the median would change.
- The sum, and so the mean, changes.
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