The average on a history exam (scored out of 100 points) was 85, with a standard deviation of 15. Is the distribution of the scores on this exam symmetric? If not, what shape would you expect this distribution to have? Explain your reasoning.

Respuesta :

From the statement it is determined that the maximum limit is 100 and the lower limit is 0. At the same time there is an average of 85 that is closer to the upper limit than the lower limit, therefore the distribution will tend to occur to the left .

This will mean that people will begin to surround the average of 85 and that those who are 60, will be more than those who are below 50, and these 50 will be more than those who are by 40 and so on.

The distribution is not symmetrical. It is skewed to the right.

In a symmetric distribution, the mean and the median are equal. Also, the distribution can be equally divided into half, with each half having similar property.

From the data given, the mean of the distribution, M= 85

The median of the distribution will be 50.5

The mean and the median are not equal, the shape cannot be symmetrical

In addition, the standard deviation, d = 15

1 standard deviation above the mean = d + M

                                                               = 15 + 85 = 100

This shows that there is only 1 standard deviation above mean and more than 3 standard deviation below the mean, hence the shape cannot be symmetrical.

Here are some basic properties of a skewed distribution:

  • if the distribution is skewed to the right, the mean will be greater than the median
  • if the distribution is skewed to the left, the median will be greater than the mean.

Thus, since the mean is greater than the median, we can comfortable conclude that the distribution is skewed to the right.

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