Halo Zeromedia! Are you struggling with calculating the range of a set of numbers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explain what range is, how to calculate it, and provide some examples to help you understand the concept better. Let’s dive in!
What is Range?
Range is a statistical measure that represents the difference between the largest and smallest values in a set of data. It tells us how much the data spreads out from the central tendency and gives us an idea of the variability of the data. In other words, it shows us how diverse the values are in a dataset.
How to Calculate Range
Step 1: Arrange the Data in Ascending Order
The first step in calculating the range is to arrange the data in ascending order, from the smallest to the largest value. Let’s say you have a set of numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. To arrange them in ascending order, you would write: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
Step 2: Find the Smallest and Largest Values
The next step is to find the smallest and largest values in the set of data. In our example, the smallest value is 2, and the largest value is 10.
Step 3: Subtract the Smallest Value from the Largest Value
The final step is to subtract the smallest value from the largest value. In our example, the range would be calculated as follows:
Dataset | Smallest Value (a) | Largest Value (b) | Range (b – a) |
---|---|---|---|
2, 4, 6, 8, 10 | 2 | 10 | 8 |
Examples
Let’s take a few examples to help you understand the concept better:
Example 1:
You have the following data: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13. To calculate the range, you would follow these steps:
- Arrange the data in ascending order: 5, 7, 9, 11, 13.
- Find the smallest and largest values: The smallest value is 5, and the largest value is 13.
- Subtract the smallest value from the largest value: 13 – 5 = 8.
Therefore, the range of the data set is 8.
Example 2:
You have the following data: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. To calculate the range, you would follow these steps:
- Arrange the data in ascending order: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.
- Find the smallest and largest values: The smallest value is 1, and the largest value is 9.
- Subtract the smallest value from the largest value: 9 – 1 = 8.
Therefore, the range of the data set is 8.
FAQ
What is the significance of range?
Range gives us an idea of how much the data is spread out. It helps us to understand the variability of the dataset and also helps us to identify outliers.
Can range be negative?
No, range cannot be negative. The smallest value in the dataset is always subtracted from the largest value, which ensures that the range is always a non-negative number.
What are outliers?
Outliers are the extreme values in a dataset that are significantly different from the other values. They can have a significant impact on the range of the dataset.
Conclusion
That’s all for our guide on how to calculate range. We hope this article has cleared your doubts and helped you understand the concept better. Remember to arrange the data in ascending order, find the smallest and largest values, and subtract the smallest value from the largest value to calculate the range. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Goodbye until next time!