Interpret Shapes of Distribution

The number of cars in a small parking lot at different times is displayed in the dot plot. Which is greater, the mean or the median? Explain your reasoning using the shape of the distribution.

Each box plot summarizes the number of miles driven each day for 30 days in each month. The box plots represent, in order, the months of August, September, October, November, and December. Arrange them in order from least to greatest variability.

• E

• C

• B

• D

• A

These two box plots have the same median and the same maximum and minimum values. How could we compare the variability of the two distributions?

Here are two dot plots, each with a mean of 15 centimeters, displaying the length of sea scallop shells in centimeters.

Which graph has a lower variability.

• 1st

• 2nd

Which of the dot plots shows a skewed distribution?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Which display could you use to find the median?

• Box plot

• Dot plot

• Histogram

Select all the distribution shapes for which the mean could be different from the median.

• Bell-shaped

• Skewed

• Symmetric

• Uniform

• Bimodal

Which of these best estimates the standard deviation of runs scored per team in one season?

• 10

• 30

• 60

• 90

Describe the shape of the distribution.

• symmetric

• skewed left

• skewed right

Describe the shape of the distribution.

• symmetric

• skewed left

• skewed right