Question

the list below describes the results, in minutes and seconds (ms), of the 800 - meter run during a track meet.

• the fastest time was 2:00.
• the first quartile time was 2:15.
• the third quartile time was 3:05.
• the slowest time was 3:30.

which statement about the results of the 800 - meter run is most likely true?
a. about half the times were between 2:00 and 2:40.
b. about half the times were between 2:00 and 2:45.
c. about one - fourth of the times were between 2:15 and 3:30.
d. about one - fourth of the times were between 3:05 and 3:30.

Explanation:

Quartiles divide data into 4 equal parts: 25% below Q1 (2:15), 25% between Q1 and Q2 (median), 25% between Q2 and Q3 (3:05), and 25% above Q3. The slowest time is 3:30, so the range above Q3 (3:05 to 3:30) contains about 25% (one-fourth) of the times. Other options are unsupported: A/B lack median info for "half"; C incorrectly claims 2:15-3:30 is one-fourth (it’s 75%).

Answer:

D. About one-fourth of the times were between 3:05 and 3:30.