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Problem-Solving and Data AnalysisEasy–MediumEffect of adding a constant on the range

Problem-Solving and Data Analysis practice question

Five test scores are 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90. If 5 points are added to every score, what happens to the range of the scores?

  1. A. It stays at 20.Correct
  2. B. It increases to 25.
  3. C. It increases to 45.
  4. D. It decreases to 15.

Answer: A. It stays at 20.

Adding the same amount to every score moves the largest and smallest together, so their difference is unchanged.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. It increases to 25.
The 5 is added to both ends, not just the top.
C. It increases to 45.
This adds 25, five times 5.
D. It decreases to 15.
The range does not shrink.

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