In the Formula for Calculating the Standard Deviation, the Differences

question 46

Multiple Choice

In the formula for calculating the standard deviation, the differences between each observation and the mean is squared. If we did not square these differences, the standard deviation would:

• A) be too small to be of any usefulness
• B) always be near zero
• C) not be normally distributed
• D) not be interpreted by z scores
• E) None of the above; the formula does not require that the differences be squared.

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Definitions:

Simplify

To alter an expression to make it easier to understand or work with, often by combining like terms or applying mathematical operations.

Multiply

The process of calculating the total of one number added to itself a specified number of times.

Missing Factor

In mathematics, the unknown quantity in a multiplication problem that, when multiplied by a known quantity, gives a specific product.

Multiply

The mathematical operation of increasing one number by another number.