Question

Test scores: Scores on a statistics exam had a mean of 75 with a standard deviation of 5. Scores on a calculus exam had a mean of 58 with a standard deviation of 11. Calculate the coefficient of variation (CV) for each subject to determine which has a greater spread relative to their mean, statistics scores or calculus scores?

Answer 1

CV for statistics exam = 15%

CV for calculus exam = 19%

Since the CV for calculus exam is higher, it has a greater spread relative to the mean than the statistics exam.

Explanation:

To find coefficient variation we use the formula:

CV = (SD/mean) * 100

CV for the statistics exam:

where; SD= 5

mean= 75

CV = ( 5/75) *100

= 0.15 or 15%

CV for calculus exam

SD = 11

Mean= 58

CV= (11 /58) * 100

= 0.19 or 19%