Question

Q = {1.7, 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, s}. What is the absolute difference between the greatest and least possible values of the median of set Q? Express your answer as a decimal to the nearest hundredth.

Answer 1

Absolute difference between the medians = 0.35

Explanation:

After arranging Q in ascending order excluding s, we get

Q = {1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 2.1, 2.3}

Here, the median is 1.7 ( The middlemost value is the required median.)

Now, if s < 1.7,

Q= {1.1, s, 1.4, 1.7, 2.1, 2.3}

Now for the least value, median = 1.55

If s > 1.7,

Q = {1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 2.1, s, 2.3}

Now for the greatest value, median = 1.9

Absolute difference between the medians = |1.9 -1.55|

= 0.35