Math Problem Statement

Two history classes with the same number of students took a final exam. The box-and-whisker plots below (sometimes called boxplots) summarize the test scores for each class. Use the box-and-whisker plots to answer the following questions: (a) A score above 70 is considered passing. Which class had more passing scores? (b) Which class had test scores with a larger interquartile range (IQR)? (c) Which class had the highest test score? (d) Which class had a higher median test score?

Solution

Let's analyze each question using the box-and-whisker plot provided for Classes A and B.

Observations from the Plot

  • Class A:

    • Has a higher median score (around 80).
    • The range seems broader, with lower whiskers extending towards lower values (around 60) and upper whiskers going closer to 95.
    • Interquartile range (IQR) appears larger than Class B.
  • Class B:

    • Has a lower median score (around 75).
    • The spread or range is narrower, indicating a smaller IQR.
    • Highest score appears slightly lower than Class A’s maximum.

Question Analysis

  1. (a) A score above 70 is considered passing. Which class had more passing scores?

    • Since Class A has a higher median (around 80), most of its scores likely fall above 70. Class B, with a median closer to 75, might have fewer scores above 70. Answer: Class A.
  2. (b) Which class had test scores with a larger interquartile range (IQR)?

    • Class A's box (IQR) is wider than Class B’s, indicating a larger interquartile range. Answer: Class A.
  3. (c) Which class had the highest test score?

    • Class A's upper whisker extends to a slightly higher score than Class B’s. Answer: Class A.
  4. (d) Which class had a higher median test score?

    • The median line in Class A’s box is higher (around 80) compared to Class B (around 75). Answer: Class A.

Would you like further details or clarification on any part?


Additional Related Questions

  1. How is the interquartile range (IQR) calculated using a box plot?
  2. What does a box plot reveal about the distribution of data?
  3. Why is the median a useful measure when analyzing box plots?
  4. How can we identify outliers in a box plot?
  5. What does a wider spread in the box plot imply about the variability in scores?

Tip:

Box plots are excellent for quickly comparing medians, ranges, and variability in different datasets!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Statistics
Box Plot
Interquartile Range
Median

Formulas

Interquartile Range (IQR) = Q3 - Q1

Theorems

Properties of box-and-whisker plots

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8