What is the mode of the following data points: 85, 95, 89, 89, 80, 80 85, 95

Question

Multiple choice answer: 85, 95, no mode, 80. With solution

Answer 1

Hi Ira, 

The answer is 'no mode'.

There are a total of 8 data points. However, each data point has a frequency of two. If you were to graph the entire distribution, it would appear similar to a rectangle. This is called a uniform distribution. By definition, there is no mode, because every outcome, or data point, is equally likely.

No outcome occurs more frequently than any other; therefore, there is no mode.

The frequency is not multi-modal or bimodal, because no outcome, or data point appears more frequently than any other.

So, the answer is 'no mode'.

Best wishes,

Robert

Answer 2

Ira,

 

Here's the frequency table for the data:

 

80  2

85  2

89  2

95  2

 

Since each data point has a frequency of 2, then each data point is a mode; i.e., there are 4 modes.  

 

It is perfectly reasonable for a data set to be multi-modal.

 

I don't see that answer in the available choices.  Have no idea why.

 

Did you miss copying one of the data points?