Question

Explain when the median of a data set is a better measure of center than the mean

Answer 1

You would use median instead of mean if there were outliers.

for example, if you were given the data set 20, 21, 23, 26, 30, 34,105, the median (26) would be better than the mean (37) since there is a HUGE outlier, which completely messes up the mean. 37 is obviously not the center, but 26 is a good representation of the data set.

Hope I helped you!!

Answer 2

Sample Response: When there is an outlier in the data set, the dot plot or histogram will be skewed. In a skewed representation, the mean is pulled up or down toward the tail of the data. Therefore, skewed data affects the mean more than the median.

What did you include in your response? Check all that apply.

The dot plot or histogram will be skewed.

The mean is pulled up or down toward the tail.

The mean is affected more than the median.