Read the article One Weird Mammal. Be on the lookout for clues to help you answer each question.
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Part A:
Scientists tagged 7 platypuses and recorded their weights. Then they used trackers to study how far the platypuses traveled. Receivers placed along a river detected the trackers, which they used to estimate how far each one moved. Below is their data.
Question 1
1.
Draggable item
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Corresponding Item
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Question 2
2.
Question 3
3.
What is the median of the data for Number of times Trackers Detected in 6 Months?
Question 4
4.
Question 5
5.
Calculate the mean, median, and mode of the data for Average Daily Distance Traveled.
Question 6
6.
Question 7
7.
Identify the two outliers from the data set.
Talking Mean & Median
Mean and median are measures of center used to compare and draw inferences about different data sets. However, each measure can give a very different picture of the data being compared.
Is it better to use the mean or median when comparing data sets?
Using the mean is a better option when the data sets have fairly consistent values, with few "gaps" in the data. A gap is formed where a big separation exists between the majority and an outlier.
Using the median is a better option when the data sets have outliers or extreme values that can drastically affect the mean.
Part B: Use the final data set to answer the remaining questions.
1
1
1
2
1
Calculate the mean, median, and mode. Then match each answer.
mode
1.6
mean
1.7
median
1.8
Use the data, Number of times Trackers Detected in 6 Months, for questions 2 - 4
Calculate the mean.
140
103
118
134
The mode of the data for Number of times Trackers Detected in 6 Months is
133
134
136
There is no mode
Which data set has multiple outliers (values much lower or higher than the mean)?
Platypus Weight
Number of Times Trackers Detected in 6 Months
Average Dialy Distance Traveled
None of the data sets have outliers
Question 8
8.
What is the mean of the data set? Round your answer to the nearest whole number.
Question 9
9.
Question 10
10.
Question 11
11.
Does the data set have any outliers? Explain.
Question 12
12.
Which measure of center best describes the data set? Explain.
