Measures of Dispersion Problem Questions

1. Consider the following set of test scores in a class: 65, 72, 80, 85, 92. Find the range of the test
scores.

2. The ages of a group of friends are 25, 28, 30, 32, and 35. Calculate the variance of their ages.

3, The weights (in kg) of a sample of apples are 120, 125, 118, 130, and 122. Compute the
standard deviation of the apple weights.

4. The travel times (in minutes) for a commuter during a week are: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45. Determine
the interquartile range (IQR) of the travel times.

5. The heights (in inches) of a group of students are 60, 62, 65, 68, and 70. Find the range of
their heights.
 Answer Key
1. Range of test scores:
Range = Maximum score - Minimum score
Range = 92 - 65 = 27

2. Variance of ages:
Mean = (25 + 28 + 30 + 32 + 35) / 5 = 30
Variance = (25 − 30)² + (28 − 30)² + (30 – 30)² + (32 – 30)² + (35 – 30)² / 5
Variance = (25 + 4 + 0 + 4 + 25) / 5 - 1 = 58 / 4 = 14.5

3. Standard deviation of apple weights:

Standard Deviation = √ Variance
Standard Deviation = √ ¿ ¿
Standard Deviation = √ (11.56+2.56+29.16 +43.56+ 1.96)/5
Standard Deviation = 4.21

4. Interquartile Range (IQR) of travel times:

Arrange the data in ascending order: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45
Q1 (first quartile) = 30, Q3 (third quartile) = 40
IQR = Q3 – Q1 = 40 – 30 = 10

5. Range of heights:
Range = Maximum height – Minimum height
Range = 70 – 60 = 10