Since this is your first problem project, here are a few general guidelines.

Projects are
intended to provide you with the opportunity to explore topics that are covered in class,
through open-ended tasks. Your work will be graded according to the ​four Cs:
·​ ​Correct – ​Demonstrate thorough mastery of the mathematical concepts you are
discussing. If you are not sure about something, get help before the assignment is due.
·​ ​Clear – ​Explain all of your analysis in grammatically correct language. Each
response should have a beginning, middle, and end.
·​ ​Complete – ​Provide detailed and thorough descriptions of all of your work. When
in doubt, ​don’t ​leave it out.
·​ ​Collaborative – ​Complete projects in teams of two or three students. You must meet
together to discuss your questions and insights and ensure that each group member
understands ​all ​of the analysis.

This project is designed to help you extend your understanding of measures of central tendency
and functions. Remember that you are permitted to use books, journals, human expertise, etc.
in order to complete this assignment. Just be sure to give credit where appropriate.

1. What Do You Mean by Mean?

Tricky Josh owns a calculator manufacturing plant that employs eight people,
including himself. Here are their salaries:

Na Jos Sam Joh Pau Gill Car Ru Pet

me h an n l ol th er
th
a

Sal $385, $45,5 $31, $27, $13, $22, $58, $26,

ary 000 00 800 800 900 500 700 500

The other seven employees demand raises from Josh and are threatening to strike.

a. Calculate the mean of these eight salaries. Who would use this value in the
negotiations? Why?
b. Calculate the median of these eight salaries. Who would use this value in the
negotiations? Why?
c. Which of these two measures of central tendency do you think gives a fairer
sense of the average salary? Explain.
 2. Effect of a Missing Exam
Assume you are in a class where your grade is determined by seven tests, each worth 100
points. Create a list of six test scores, each above 70. Suppose you miss the seventh test, earning
a zero.
a. How does the missed test affect your mean score for the class?
b. How does the missed test affect your median score for the class?
c. Suppose you contact your instructor and make up the test. If your score for that test
is 65, how is your mean score for the class affected? How is your median score for
the class affected?

3. Better than Average

Each of the three measures of central tendency we discussed in class – mean, median, and mode
– has its own advantages and disadvantages. Find books or websites that discusses the relative
strengths and weaknesses of each measure and write an essay describing at least one strength
and at least one weakness of each measure. Include examples and cite your sources (this does
not require APA style).

4. Essay
Write a brief personal essay (150–200 words) describing your reaction to the content and
approach of these problems. ​Each team member should submit his or her own essay.