Question

What is the magnitude of the difference between the mean and the median of the dataset \(\{1,2,3,4,6,8\}\)?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 0.5
• D. 0.25

Hint:

For an even-sized ordered dataset, the median is the average of the two middle values.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Mean \(=\dfrac{1+2+3+4+6+8}{6}=\dfrac{24}{6}=4\).
Step 2: Median \(=\dfrac{\text{3rd}+\text{4th}}{2}=\dfrac{3+4}{2}=3.5\).
Step 3: Magnitude of difference \(=|4-3.5|=0.5\).
Hence, \(\boxed{0.5}\).