Question

the monthly mean salaries and standard deviations of four college students are given below.

student	mean	standard deviation
abi	$590	8.99
kala	$612	15.29
shenika	$200	7.67

which statement must be true?

• the monthly salary of shenika is less spread out than the monthly salary of clarissa.
• the monthly salary of kala is less spread out than the monthly salary of abi.
• the monthly salary of abi is less spread out than the monthly salary of shenika.
• the monthly salary of clarissa is less spread out than the monthly salary of abi.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall SD meaning

Standard Deviation (SD) measures data spread. Lower SD = less spread.

Step2: List SD values

Clarissa: 12.53; Abi: 8.99; Kala: 15.29; Shenika: 7.67.

Step3: Compare SDs for each option

• Option 1: Shenika (7.67) < Clarissa (12.53) → Less spread. Check others.
• Option 2: Kala (15.29) > Abi (8.99) → More spread. False.
• Option 3: Abi (8.99) > Shenika (7.67) → More spread. False.
• Option 4: Clarissa (12.53) > Abi (8.99) → More spread. False.

Answer:

The monthly salary of Shenika is less spread out than the monthly salary of Clarissa. (First option)