Question

In science class, Clare and Lin estimate the mass of eight different objects that actually weigh 2,000 grams each.

Answer 1

Lin was better than Clare

Explanation:

Given

Clare

• mean: 2,000 grams
• MAD: 275 grams
• median: 2,000 grams
• IQR: 500 grams

Lin

• mean: 2,000 grams
• MAD: 225 grams
• median: 1,950 grams
• IQR: 350 grams

Question

• Which student was better at estimating the mass of the objects?

Solution

Comparing data for both Clare and Lin, we can see that:

• mean - is same 2000 grams for both
• median - almost same, 2000 grams vs 1950 grams
• MAD - 275 grams vs 225 grams
• IQR - 500 grams vs 350 grams

Conclusion

• Lin was better at estimating than Clare

Reason

• Both students had measures of center (mean and median) very close to 2000 grams

• Lin got less variable responses as both the MAD and IQR were lower than Clare got