Final answer:
Percentiles are used to compare values and understand relative standing in a dataset, such as test scores. They help determine how a specific data point compares to other data points. For example, scoring in the 90th percentile means the score is equal to or better than 90% of the scores.
Step-by-step explanation:
Percentiles are used to divide ordered data into hundredths and are useful for comparing values. They provide a way to understand where a specific data point lies in relation to other data points. In the context of test scores, percentiles are important for comparing a student's performance to the performance of other students. For example, if a student scores in the 90th percentile, it means that their score is equal to or better than 90% of the scores.