The range of a data set is a simple yet important statistical measure that provides insight into the spread or variability of the data. To determine the range of the data set containing the numbers 5, 17, 9, 7, and 23, follow these steps:
- Identify the Minimum Value: Look for the smallest number in the data set. In this case, the minimum value is 5.
- Identify the Maximum Value: Next, find the largest number in the data set. Here, the maximum value is 23.
- Calculate the Range: The range is calculated by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value. So, you will calculate it as follows:
Range = Maximum Value – Minimum Value
Range = 23 – 5
Range = 18
Therefore, the range of the data set 5, 17, 9, 7, 23 is 18.
This value tells you that there is a difference of 18 units between the smallest and largest numbers in the set, providing a basic understanding of the dispersion of the values.