Question

A class of fourth graders takes a diagnostic reading test and the scores are reported by reading level. The 5-number summaries for the 14 boys and 11 girls are shown:

Boys: 2.0, 3.9, 4.3, 4.9, 6.0
Girls: 2.8, 3.8, 4.5, 5.2, 5.9

Which group generally did better on the test?

Answer 1

The girls had a higher average in the reading test than the boys.

Explanation:

To find the solution, you need to find the mean (average) of the group of boys and group of girls each. The mean of numbers can be found by dividing the sum of all numbers by the amount of numbers there are.

Lets start by finding the mean of the boys group. Find the sum of all numbers:

`2.0 + 3.9 + 4.3 + 4.9 + 6.0 = 21.1`

Now divide the sum by how many numbers, or in this case, how many boys did the test:

`21.1 / 5 = 4.22`

The mean, average, of the tests conducted by the group of boys is 4.22.

Repeat the same for the girls group:

`2.8 + 3.8 + 4.5 + 5.2 + 5.9 = 22.2 \\ 22.2 / 5 = 4.44`

The mean, average, of the tests conducted by the group of girls is 4.44.

Compared to 4.22, 4.44 is bigger than 4.22.