Question

For which data sets is the median a better measure of center than the mean?

Choose all answers that are correct.

A. Elm Realty sold houses valued at $170,000; $179,500; $185,000; $191,200; and $199,200.
B. Daily revenue at the ice cream shop last week was $1075, $2350, $2400, $2475, $2500, $2560, and $2600.
C. Ria counted stars each night and the numbers were 45, 47, 49, 52, and 94.
D. Jayden scored 20, 22, 24, 26, and 27 points in each of his last 5 basketball games.

I think it's D and C but I'm not sure.

Answer 1

The median is a better measure of center when there is an outlier which will make the mean not be a good estimate of the center. Option B has $1075 as an outlier (i.e. it is far away from the other data sets). Hence, the median will be a better estimate of the center. Similarly, 94 is an outlier in option C and hence, the median is a better estimate. Options A and D has no outliers, making the mean a good estimate of the centre.