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Use range in context

Range is the difference between the greatest and least values in a numerical data set, expressed in the same units as the data; it describes the total span of the observations in context. Interpreting range includes comparing the variability of data sets and recognizing that a single extreme value can substantially change it, while range alone does not indicate a typical value or the shape of the distribution.

Detailed Explanation: Use range in context

Range tells you how spread out a data set is.

To find the range:

  1. Find the greatest value.
  2. Find the least value.
  3. Subtract the least value from the greatest value.
  4. State the answer with the units and explain what it means.

Example: The high temperatures in a town for five days were:

68∘F, 71∘F, 70∘F, 75∘F, 72∘F68^\circ\text{F},\ 71^\circ\text{F},\ 70^\circ\text{F},\ 75^\circ\text{F},\ 72^\circ\text{F}

Step 1: Find the greatest value.

The greatest temperature was 75∘F75^\circ\text{F}.

Step 2: Find the least value.

The least temperature was 68∘F68^\circ\text{F}.

Step 3: Subtract.

Range=75−68=7∘F\text{Range}=75-68=7^\circ\text{F}

Step 4: Interpret the range.

The range of the high temperatures was 7∘F\boxed{7^\circ\text{F}}. This means the temperatures spanned a total of 7∘F7^\circ\text{F} from the coolest day to the warmest day.

The range describes the total spread, but it does not tell you the usual temperature or how the other temperatures are distributed. One unusually high or low temperature could make the range much larger.

Learn by doing: Use range in context

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    Statistics - Concept Intro Range - Term to Answer

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