Question

In a left (negatively) skewed distribution curve, which statement is true?

• A. Mean = Median
• B. Mean < Mode
• C. Mean > Mode
• D. Mean = Mode

Hint:

The long tail on the left drags the mean below the mode.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: A left skewed (negatively skewed) curve has its long tail pointing toward the lower (left) values. A few very small values pull the arithmetic mean toward the left.

Step 2: Because the mean is dragged toward the tail, in a left skewed curve the order from low to high becomes Mean, then Median, then Mode. So the mean lies to the left of the mode, giving \(Mean \lt Median \lt Mode\).

Step 3: This directly means \(Mean \lt Mode\), which is option b. The relationship is the mirror image of a right skewed curve, where the mean would exceed the mode.

Step 4: Therefore Mean = Median, Mean > Mode and Mean = Mode are all incorrect for a negatively skewed distribution. Only a symmetric curve gives Mean = Median = Mode. The correct answer is Mean < Mode.