Question

In k-means clustering, the analyst does not need to determine the number of clusters (k); these are always derived analytically using the k-means algorithm.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

In k-means clustering, the analyst must determine the number of clusters (k) before running the algorithm; k is not derived analytically by the algorithm. Methods exist to aid in choosing k, but they are separate from k-means itself.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that the number of clusters (k) in k-means clustering is always derived analytically using the k-means algorithm is false. In k-means clustering, it is required for the analyst to specify the number of clusters, k, beforehand. The algorithm then assigns data points to one of these k clusters based on the minimum distance from the cluster's centroid. Algorithms such as the Elbow Method, the Silhouette Method, and the Gap Statistic are often used to help determine an appropriate number of clusters, but these are separate from the k-means algorithm itself.