6th Grade Math Question of the Day

1. Mean = $\frac{84}{9}\approx 9.33$; Range = 17; Pattern: scores are evenly spread; Striking deviation: none.
2. Mean = $\frac{109}{8}=13.625$; Range = 17; Pattern: values cluster around 14; Striking deviation: none.
3. Mean = $\frac{109}{9}\approx 12.11$; Range = 5; Pattern: most games are 20–25 points; Striking deviation: 8 points is an outlier.
4. Mean = $\frac{109}{9}\approx 12.11$; Range = 17; Pattern: most games are 8–13 points clustered around 10–12; Striking deviation: 25 points is much higher than the rest. (correct answer)

Explanation: This question tests calculating measures of center (mean) and variability (range), describing overall pattern in words, and noting striking deviations. Measures: mean=sum/count=(8+9+10+10+11+11+12+13+25)/9=109/9≈12.11; range=max-min=25-8=17 shows total spread. Pattern: most games (8 of 9) cluster between 8-13 points around mean 12.11, forming compact group; striking deviation: 25 points is clear outlier, approximately 12 points above next highest value 13. Choice A correctly shows mean=109/9≈12.11, range=17, describes pattern as "most games are 8-13 points clustered around 10-12," and notes "25 points is much higher than the rest." Common errors include: incorrect sum (choice C: 84/9≈9.33), confusing range with IQR (choice B: range=5), wrong count (choice D: 109/8), or misidentifying pattern location (choice B: "most games 20-25 points"). Calculating mean: (1) sum all values: 8+9+10+10+11+11+12+13+25=109, (2) divide by count: 109/9≈12.11; calculating range: (1) identify max=25 and min=8, (2) subtract: 25-8=17. Complete summary requires identifying 25 as outlier that dramatically increases range and pulls mean upward.