All questions
Question 1
A student recorded the heights (in centimeters) of 12 houseplants: 14, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16, 17, 18, 18, 19, 20, 21. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a dot plot?
- The distribution is strongly right-skewed with an outlier above 30 cm.
- The distribution has a cluster around 16–18 cm and no large gaps. (correct answer)
- The distribution has a clear gap between 16 and 17 cm.
- The data are evenly spread from 14 to 21 with no clustering at any value.
Explanation: This question analyzes a dot plot of plant heights. Looking at the 12 values from 14 to 21 cm, we see three plants at 16 cm, two at 18 cm, and two at 15 cm, creating a cluster in the 16-18 cm range. The data increases steadily without large gaps—each consecutive integer from 14 to 21 is represented or close to another value. The distribution isn't strongly skewed and has no outliers above 30 cm. A common misconception is expecting perfectly even spacing for "no gaps." To identify clusters: look for values that repeat or group closely together on the number line.
Question 2
A student measured the mass (in grams) of 10 apples: 148, 150, 151, 152, 152, 153, 154, 156, 158, 160. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a box plot of these data?
- The median is 152.5 g, and the range is 12 g. (correct answer)
- The median is 152.5 g, and the range is 10 g.
- The median is 152 g, and the range is 12 g.
- The median is 154 g, and the range is 12 g.
Explanation: This question involves a box plot of apple masses. With 10 ordered values, the median is between the 5th and 6th values: (152+153)/2 = 152.5 grams. The range is maximum minus minimum: 160-148 = 12 grams. Box plots show the five-number summary: minimum (148), Q1, median (152.5), Q3, and maximum (160). The box extends from Q1 to Q3 with a line at the median, while whiskers reach to the extremes. A common mistake is using a single middle value as the median with even sample sizes. To find the median: order all values, then average the two middle ones for even-sized datasets.
Question 3
A store recorded 18 customer wait times (in minutes): 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14. Which plot best represents the data as a histogram using bin width 5 minutes with bins 0–4, 5–9, 10–14?
- Histogram counts: 0–4: 8, 5–9: 6, 10–14: 4.
- Histogram counts: 0–4: 9, 5–9: 6, 10–14: 3.
- Histogram counts: 0–4: 7, 5–9: 8, 10–14: 3.
- Histogram counts: 0–4: 8, 5–9: 7, 10–14: 3. (correct answer)
Explanation: The plot is a histogram of wait times with bin width 5. Data values are counted into bins 0–4, 5–9, 10–14. Key features include high frequency in 0–4 with 8, decreasing to 3 in 10–14, spread from 1 to 14, right-skewed shape. The correct answer A matches because the counts are exactly 8,7,3 for the bins. A common misconception is to include boundary values in the wrong bin, like putting 5 in 0–4 instead of 5–9. To analyze, first check the scale and bin definitions. Then, count the points in each bin to confirm the heights.
Question 4
A club tracked how many push-ups 15 members completed in one minute: 14, 16, 18, 18, 19, 20, 20, 20, 21, 22, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a dot plot?
- The distribution is symmetric because the values are evenly balanced around 21 with equal tails.
- The distribution is left-skewed because most values are around 24–28 with a few smaller values near 14–16.
- The distribution is right-skewed because most values are around 18–23 with a few larger values near 26–28. (correct answer)
- The distribution has a gap from 20 to 22 because no values occur in that interval.
Explanation: The plot is a dot plot of push-up counts. Each count is mapped as a dot on the number line, stacked for repeats. Key features include cluster around 20 with 3 dots, spread from 14 to 28, and right-skewed shape with longer tail to the right. The correct answer A matches because most values are in 18–23, with few larger ones extending to 28. A common misconception is to identify the skew based on the wrong direction of the tail. To analyze, first check the scale to see the range of push-ups. Then, count the dots to determine clusters and skew.
Question 5
A cafeteria recorded the prices (in dollars) of 12 lunch items: 1.25, 1.50, 1.50, 1.75, 2.00, 2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.50, 2.75, 3.00, 3.25. Which plot best represents the data as a dot plot (each value shown as one dot above its price)?
- Dots at: 1.25(1), 1.50(2), 1.75(1), 2.00(2), 2.25(1), 2.50(2), 2.75(1), 3.00(1), 3.25(1). (correct answer)
- Dots at: 1.25(1), 1.50(1), 1.75(1), 2.00(2), 2.25(1), 2.50(2), 2.75(1), 3.00(1), 3.25(2).
- Dots at: 1.25(1), 1.50(2), 1.75(1), 2.00(2), 2.25(1), 2.50(1), 2.75(1), 3.00(1), 3.25(1).
- Dots at: 1.25(1), 1.50(2), 1.75(1), 2.00(1), 2.25(1), 2.50(2), 2.75(2), 3.00(1), 3.25(1).
Explanation: The plot is a dot plot, displaying prices on a number line. Each price is mapped by placing a dot above its value, stacking for duplicates. Key features include clusters at 1.50, 2.00, 2.50 with 2 dots each, spread from 1.25 to 3.25, and a fairly uniform shape with increasing prices. The correct answer A matches because it accurately lists the positions and counts of dots for each price in the data. A common misconception is to forget to stack dots for repeated values, leading to incorrect counts. To analyze, first check the scale on the number line for the price range. Then, count the dots at each price to match the frequency in the data set.
Question 6
A PE teacher recorded the number of push-ups completed by 11 students in one minute: 14, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16, 17, 18, 18, 19, 21. Which plot best represents the data as a dot plot on a number line?
- Dots at 14(1), 15(1), 16(3), 17(2), 18(2), 19(1), 21(1).
- Dots at 14(1), 15(2), 16(2), 17(1), 18(2), 19(2), 21(1).
- Dots at 14(2), 15(2), 16(3), 17(1), 18(1), 19(1), 21(1).
- Dots at 14(1), 15(2), 16(3), 17(1), 18(2), 19(1), 21(1). (correct answer)
Explanation: A dot plot shows push-up counts as dots on a number line, with stacks like three at 16 and two at 15, 18. The data maps to dots at 14 (one), 15 (two), 16 (three), 17 (one), 18 (two), 19 (one), 21 (one), creating a cluster around 16 with tails. The plot features a peak at 16 and slight right skew to 21, spanning 14 to 21. Choice A correctly lists these frequencies for the visual representation. A common misconception is overlooking stacked dots as single points, but stacks indicate multiples. Check the number line scale from 14 to 21. Then, count dots per value to match the 11 students.
Question 7
A cafeteria tracked the waiting times (in minutes) for 16 students: 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 10, 11. Which statement correctly describes the distribution when shown in a histogram with 2-minute bins: 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, 10–11?
- The histogram would show a cluster in the 6–7 bin and a smaller right tail toward 10–11. (correct answer)
- The histogram would be uniform because each bin has the same number of values.
- The histogram would show a gap because there are no values in the 6–7 bin.
- The histogram would be strongly left-skewed with most values in the 10–11 bin.
Explanation: A histogram groups waiting times into 2-minute bins on a number line, with bar heights showing counts like one in 2–3, five in 4–5, five in 6–7, three in 8–9, and two in 10–11. Data values fall into bins, creating a visual of higher bars in the middle and tapering off, especially to the right. Key features include a cluster around 6–7 minutes with a right tail extending to 10–11, indicating slight right skew and spread from 3 to 11. Choice A correctly describes this cluster and tail, aligning with the bin frequencies. A common misconception is thinking empty bins mean gaps in data, but here all bins have values except possibly unused ones outside the range. First, check the bin scale to ensure intervals like 2–3 capture values correctly. Then, count entries per bin to match the total of 16 times.
Question 8
A teacher recorded quiz scores (out of 20) for 15 students: 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 12, 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17. Which plot best represents the data as a histogram using bin widths of 5 points: 5–9, 10–14, 15–19?
- Bars: 5–9 has 3 values; 10–14 has 8 values; 15–19 has 4 values.
- Bars: 5–9 has 2 values; 10–14 has 9 values; 15–19 has 4 values. (correct answer)
- Bars: 5–9 has 2 values; 10–14 has 7 values; 15–19 has 6 values.
- Bars: 5–9 has 2 values; 10–14 has 8 values; 15–19 has 5 values.
Explanation: A histogram uses bars to show the frequency of data in specified bins along a number line. Here, the quiz scores are grouped into bins of 5 points: 5–9 includes 8 and 9 (2 values), 10–14 includes nine scores from 10 to 14, and 15–19 includes four scores from 15 to 17. The bars would visually show the tallest in the middle bin, with shorter bars on either side, indicating a peak in the 10–14 range. Choice A matches this exact count of values per bin, representing the data distribution accurately. A common misconception is including boundary values in the wrong bin, but here bins are closed on the right or as defined, correctly placing 9 in 5–9 and 15 in 15–19. Start by checking the bin scale to confirm intervals like 5–9 cover from 5 up to but not including 10 or as specified. Then, count the scores falling into each bin to ensure the bar heights reflect the frequencies.
Question 9
A science class measured temperatures (in ∘C) of a liquid at 10 different times: 18.2, 18.4, 18.5, 18.5, 18.7, 18.8, 18.8, 19.0, 19.1, 19.3. Which plot best represents the data as a histogram with bin width 0.5: 18.0–18.4, 18.5–18.9, 19.0–19.4?
- Bars: 18.0–18.4 has 2 values; 18.5–18.9 has 4 values; 19.0–19.4 has 4 values.
- Bars: 18.0–18.4 has 3 values; 18.5–18.9 has 4 values; 19.0–19.4 has 3 values.
- Bars: 18.0–18.4 has 2 values; 18.5–18.9 has 5 values; 19.0–19.4 has 3 values. (correct answer)
- Bars: 18.0–18.4 has 1 value; 18.5–18.9 has 6 values; 19.0–19.4 has 3 values.
Explanation: A histogram bins temperatures on a number line with 0.5 intervals, placing values like 18.2 and 18.4 in 18.0–18.4 (two), five in 18.5–18.9, and three in 19.0–19.4. Data maps to bars showing a peak in the middle bin and shorter adjacent bars, with spread from 18.2 to 19.3. Key features include a cluster around 18.5–18.9 and slight asymmetry. Choice A matches the precise counts per bin for accurate representation. A common misconception is misplacing decimal values across bin boundaries, but here 18.5 goes into 18.5–18.9 correctly. Check the decimal scale on the number line for bin accuracy. Then, count temperatures in each bin to confirm total of 10 measurements.
Question 10
A track coach recorded the 12 times (in seconds) it took students to run a 100-meter sprint: 12.4, 12.7, 12.7, 12.9, 13.1, 13.1, 13.2, 13.4, 13.6, 13.6, 13.8, 14.0. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown when these data are displayed in a dot plot on a number line?
- There is an extreme outlier at 12.4 seconds far from the rest of the data.
- There is a clear gap between 13.1 and 13.2 seconds with no data values.
- The distribution is roughly symmetric with a center around about 13.2 seconds. (correct answer)
- The distribution is strongly left-skewed because most times are near 14.0 seconds.
Explanation: A dot plot is a simple graph where each data value is represented by a dot above a number line. In this case, the sprint times are plotted as dots at their respective values, with multiple dots stacked for repeated times like the two at 12.7 and two at 13.1. The plot shows a cluster of times around 13.1 to 13.6, with the data spreading from 12.4 to 14.0 in a balanced way, forming a roughly symmetric shape around the center. Choice B correctly describes this as roughly symmetric with a center around 13.2 seconds, matching the mean and median near that value. A common misconception is thinking repeated values create gaps, but dots are placed directly at the values without spaces unless data is missing. To analyze, first check the number line scale to ensure it covers the min to max accurately. Then, count the dots at each point to verify they match the data frequencies.
Question 11
A class recorded how many minutes 12 students spent reading last night: 10, 12, 15, 15, 18, 20, 20, 22, 25, 25, 28, 30. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a box plot of these data?
- The median is 22 minutes, and the range is 20 minutes.
- The median is 18 minutes, and the range is 20 minutes.
- The median is 20 minutes, and the range is 20 minutes. (correct answer)
- The median is 20 minutes, and the range is 15 minutes.
Explanation: This question involves a box plot of reading times for 12 students. A box plot shows five key values: minimum, Q1, median, Q3, and maximum. With 12 ordered values, the median is between the 6th and 7th values: (20+20)/2 = 20 minutes. The range is maximum minus minimum: 30-10 = 20 minutes. Box plots don't show individual data points but summarize the distribution's spread and center. A common error is confusing the interquartile range (Q3-Q1) with the full range. To create a box plot: first order the data, find the five-number summary, then draw the box from Q1 to Q3 with a line at the median.
Question 12
A science class measured the pH of 14 water samples: 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4. Which plot best represents the data as a dot plot on a number line marked in tenths from 6.4 to 7.4?
- A dot plot that includes an extra dot at 7.5 to show the maximum pH value.
- A dot plot with the same counts, but the dots are placed at whole numbers only (6 and 7).
- A dot plot with one dot at 6.6, one dot at 6.8, one dot at 7.0, and two dots at each of the other listed values.
- A dot plot with two dots at 6.6, two dots at 6.8, two dots at 7.0, and one dot at each of the other listed values. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests understanding of dot plot construction. A dot plot places one dot above each data value on the number line. Counting the pH values: 6.6 appears twice, 6.8 appears twice, 7.0 appears twice, and all other values appear once. This matches option A exactly. Option B incorrectly shows single dots where there should be two. A common error is adding extra dots for emphasis or rounding values to whole numbers. To create a dot plot: mark the scale on the number line, then place one dot above the line for each occurrence of that value, stacking dots vertically when values repeat.
Question 13
A track coach recorded the times (in seconds) for 15 students to run a 100-meter dash: 12.1, 12.4, 12.4, 12.6, 12.7, 12.8, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.1, 13.1, 13.3, 13.4, 13.6, 13.7. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a dot plot of these times?
- The distribution is left-skewed because most times are near 13.6–13.7 with a few smaller times.
- The distribution is roughly symmetric with a center near 12.9–13.0 seconds and no large gaps. (correct answer)
- The distribution has a clear gap between 12.8 and 12.9 seconds.
- The distribution is strongly right-skewed because there is an outlier above 15 seconds.
Explanation: This question asks about a dot plot of 100-meter dash times. A dot plot places one dot above each data value on a number line. Looking at the 15 times, they range from 12.1 to 13.7 seconds with no large gaps between consecutive values. The center (median) is the 8th value when ordered, which is 12.9 seconds. The data clusters around this middle value with roughly equal spread on both sides, making it symmetric rather than skewed. A common misconception is thinking that having more values at one end automatically means skewing, but symmetric means balanced spread around the center. To verify: count dots on each side of the median—they should be roughly equal for symmetry.
Question 14
A class recorded the number of pages read over a weekend by 15 students: 18, 20, 21, 22, 22, 23, 24, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 28, 30, 32. Which plot best represents the data as a histogram using bins of width 5: 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34?
- 15–19: 1, 20–24: 7, 25–29: 5, 30–34: 2 (correct answer)
- 15–19: 2, 20–24: 6, 25–29: 5, 30–34: 2
- 15–19: 1, 20–24: 6, 25–29: 6, 30–34: 2
- 15–19: 1, 20–24: 7, 25–29: 4, 30–34: 3
Explanation: This question requires creating a histogram with specific bins. A histogram groups data into intervals (bins) and shows the frequency with bars. For bins 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, we count how many values fall in each range. From our data: 18 falls in 15-19 (1 value); 20, 21, 22, 22, 23, 24, 24 fall in 20-24 (7 values); 25, 26, 27, 28, 28 fall in 25-29 (5 values); 30, 32 fall in 30-34 (2 values). Answer A correctly shows these frequencies: 15-19: 1, 20-24: 7, 25-29: 5, 30-34: 2. A common error is including boundary values in the wrong bin - remember that 24 goes in the 20-24 bin, not 25-29. Always check that your total frequency equals the number of data points (1+7+5+2=15).
Question 15
A cafeteria tracked the waiting times (in minutes) for 15 students: 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9. Which plot best represents the data as a histogram using bins of width 2: 2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9?
- 2–3: 3, 4–5: 5, 6–7: 4, 8–9: 3 (correct answer)
- 2–3: 2, 4–5: 6, 6–7: 4, 8–9: 3
- 2–3: 3, 4–5: 4, 6–7: 5, 8–9: 3
- 2–3: 3, 4–5: 5, 6–7: 3, 8–9: 4
Explanation: This question requires creating a histogram with bins of width 2. For waiting times data: 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9, we count values in each bin. For 2-3: values 2, 3, 3 give frequency 3. For 4-5: values 4, 4, 4, 5, 5 give frequency 5. For 6-7: values 6, 6, 6, 7 give frequency 4. For 8-9: values 8, 8, 9 give frequency 3. Answer A correctly shows 2-3: 3, 4-5: 5, 6-7: 4, 8-9: 3. The distribution appears roughly symmetric with a slight peak in the middle bin. A common error is forgetting that bin boundaries include both endpoints - the bin 2-3 includes both 2 and 3. Always verify your total: 3+5+4+3=15 matches our 15 data points.
Question 16
A science teacher measured the lengths (in cm) of 14 leaves: 6.2, 6.5, 6.5, 6.8, 7.0, 7.1, 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.8, 7.9, 8.1, 8.4. Which statement correctly describes the distribution of the data when shown on a number-line plot (dot plot or histogram)?
- The data are roughly symmetric with a center near 7.3 cm. (correct answer)
- The data are strongly skewed left with a gap between 7.0 and 7.8 cm.
- The data are strongly skewed right with most values above 8.0 cm.
- The data have two clusters, one near 6.2 cm and one near 8.4 cm, with few values in between.
Explanation: This question asks about the distribution shape of leaf lengths on a number-line plot. Looking at the data: 6.2, 6.5, 6.5, 6.8, 7.0, 7.1, 7.1, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.8, 7.9, 8.1, 8.4, we see values spread fairly evenly from 6.2 to 8.4. The center appears around 7.3 cm (the median of 14 values is between the 7th and 8th values: 7.1 and 7.3). The data shows no major gaps or separate clusters, and values tail off gradually on both sides of the center. Answer A correctly identifies this as roughly symmetric with center near 7.3 cm. A common misconception is confusing gaps with normal spacing - a true gap would show a large empty interval, not just the typical spacing between consecutive values. To check symmetry, compare how many values fall on each side of the center.
Question 17
A track coach recorded the times (in seconds) for 12 students to run a 100-meter sprint: 12.1, 12.4, 12.4, 12.6, 12.8, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.2, 13.2, 13.5, 13.7. Which plot best represents the data as a dot plot on a number line?
- Dots at 12.1(1), 12.4(2), 12.6(1), 12.8(2), 12.9(1), 13.0(1), 13.2(2), 13.5(1), 13.7(1) (correct answer)
- Dots at 12.1(1), 12.4(1), 12.6(2), 12.8(2), 12.9(1), 13.0(1), 13.2(2), 13.5(1), 13.7(1)
- Dots at 12.1(1), 12.4(2), 12.6(1), 12.8(2), 12.9(1), 13.0(1), 13.2(1), 13.5(1), 13.7(1)
- Dots at 12.0(1), 12.4(2), 12.6(1), 12.8(2), 12.9(1), 13.0(1), 13.2(2), 13.5(1), 13.7(1)
Explanation: This question asks us to create a dot plot for sprint times. In a dot plot, each data value gets its own dot placed above that value on a number line. Looking at our data: 12.1, 12.4, 12.4, 12.6, 12.8, 12.8, 12.9, 13.0, 13.2, 13.2, 13.5, 13.7, we need to count how many times each value appears. The values 12.4, 12.8, and 13.2 each appear twice, while all others appear once. Answer A correctly shows dots at 12.1(1), 12.4(2), 12.6(1), 12.8(2), 12.9(1), 13.0(1), 13.2(2), 13.5(1), 13.7(1), where the number in parentheses indicates how many dots. A common mistake is miscounting repeated values - always list your data first and mark off each value as you plot it. To verify, count that you have exactly 12 dots total, matching our 12 data points.
Question 18
The quiz scores (out of 20) for 16 students are: 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a histogram with equal-width bins?
- The distribution has a large gap between 13 and 14.
- The distribution is mostly clustered at the low end (8–10) with a long tail to the right.
- The distribution is left-skewed, with most scores near 18–19 and a long tail to the left.
- The distribution is roughly symmetric, with most scores in the middle (about 12–15). (correct answer)
Explanation: This question asks about a histogram of quiz scores. A histogram groups data into bins (intervals) and shows counts as bar heights. Looking at the 16 scores from 8 to 19, they spread fairly evenly across the range with slight clustering in the middle values (12-15). This creates a roughly symmetric shape, not skewed to either side. There's no large gap between 13 and 14—both values appear in the data. A common mistake is confusing gaps in the data with gaps between consecutive integers. To verify symmetry: compare counts in bins equidistant from the center—they should be similar for a symmetric distribution.
Question 19
A teacher collected the number of pages read by 18 students over a weekend: 22, 24, 25, 25, 26, 27, 28, 28, 29, 30, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a box plot of these data?
- The median is 29.5 pages, and the range is 16 pages.
- The median is 30 pages, and the range is 18 pages.
- The median is 31 pages, and the range is 18 pages.
- The median is 29.5 pages, and the range is 18 pages. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question involves a box plot of pages read by 18 students. With 18 ordered values, the median is between the 9th and 10th values: (29+30)/2 = 29.5 pages. The range is maximum minus minimum: 40-22 = 18 pages. Box plots summarize data using five key values without showing individual points. The median line inside the box shows the center, while whiskers extend to the minimum and maximum. A common error is rounding the median when it falls between two values. To find the median with even sample size: average the two middle values after ordering the data.
Question 20
A band director recorded the 20 practice times (in minutes) for students over a week: 5, 10, 10, 15, 15, 15, 20, 20, 20, 20, 25, 25, 30, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60. Which statement correctly describes the distribution shown by a histogram of these times?
- The distribution has a gap between 20 and 25 because no times occur in that interval.
- The distribution is left-skewed because most times are near 40–60 with a few small times near 5–15.
- The distribution is approximately symmetric because the values are evenly spread from 5 to 60.
- The distribution is right-skewed because most times are near 10–30 with a tail of larger times up to 60. (correct answer)
Explanation: The plot is a histogram of practice times. Data values are binned, with bars showing frequencies. Key features include cluster in lower times 10-30, spread from 5 to 60, right-skewed shape with long tail to higher times. The correct answer C matches because most are near 10–30 with a tail up to 60. A common misconception is to see it as uniform when there is clear skew due to the tail. To analyze, first check the scale and bin sizes. Then, count points per bin to see the distribution shape.