What steps do I need to take to determine the range of a data set?

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To find the range of a data set, you need to perform a few simple steps that involve basic arithmetic. The range is a measure of how spread out the values in a data set are. Here’s how you can calculate it:

  1. Collect Your Data: Start by gathering all the numbers in your data set. They can be any numeric values such as scores, ages, measurements, or any other quantifiable information.
  2. Identify the Minimum Value: Look through your data set to find the smallest number. This value is known as the minimum.
  3. Identify the Maximum Value: Next, find the largest number in your data set. This value is referred to as the maximum.
  4. Calculate the Range: To find the range, simply subtract the minimum value from the maximum value. The formula can be expressed as:

    5. Range = Maximum – Minimum

  5. Example: For instance, if your data set consists of the numbers 3, 7, 1, 9, 5, the minimum value is 1 and the maximum value is 9. Thus, the range would be:

    6. Range = 9 - 1 = 8

This result means that the values in your data set are spread over a distance of 8 units.

Calculating the range is an effective way to understand the variability in your data, making it easier to analyze trends and patterns!

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