Final Answer:
The mean of a distribution is calculated by summing up all the values and dividing by the total number of values. The correct option is C. 6**
Step-by-step explanation:
In this case, let's consider the values provided: 5, 3, 6, 4, and 10.
Mean (μ) = (5 + 3 + 6 + 4 + 10) / 5 = 28 / 5 = 5.6
To find which number is closest to the mean, we compare the absolute differences between each number and the mean:
- For 5: |5 - 5.6| = 0.6
- For 3: |3 - 5.6| = 2.6
- For 6: |6 - 5.6| = 0.4
- For 4: |4 - 5.6| = 1.6
- For 10: |10 - 5.6| = 4.4
The number 6 has the smallest absolute difference (0.4), making it the closest to the mean. Therefore, the correct answer is C. 6.
In conclusion, the mean represents the central tendency of a distribution, and in this case, the calculation and comparison show that 6 is the number closest to the mean. This method of finding the closest value is essential in statistical analysis, helping to identify central points in a dataset. It provides a quantitative measure of centrality and aids in understanding the distribution of values within a set.