Question

consider the data set 12, 25, 33, 47, 50. if 50 was removed from the data set, how would the mean be affected?

• the mean increases
• the mean decreases
• the mean does not change.
• there is not enough information to determine

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate original mean

Original data: 17,25,33,47,50. Sum = 17+25+33+47+50 = 172. Mean = $\frac{172}{5}$ = 34.4.

Step2: Calculate new mean after removing 50

New data: 17,25,33,47. Sum = 17+25+33+47 = 122. Mean = $\frac{122}{4}$ = 30.5.

Step3: Compare means

30.5 < 34.4, so mean decreases.

Answer:

B. The mean decreases