16Hit1600
Information and IdeasVery hardReading a table of class averages with absences

Information and Ideas practice question

Test results for two classes Class | Pupils | Average mark | Absent on test day P | 20 | 72 | 4 Q | 30 | 70 | 0 A head of department cautions that ____

Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?

  1. A. Class P's higher average may partly reflect that four of its pupils missed the test, so the two averages are not directly comparable.Correct
  2. B. Class P is the better class because its average is higher.
  3. C. Class Q has more pupils than Class P.
  4. D. four pupils in Class P were absent.

Answer: A. Class P's higher average may partly reflect that four of its pupils missed the test, so the two averages are not directly comparable.

Missing pupils can move an average.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Class P is the better class because its average is higher.
Ignores the absences.
C. Class Q has more pupils than Class P.
Size alone.
D. four pupils in Class P were absent.
The fact without its consequence.

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