2005 AMC 12B Problem 9

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Concepts:meanmedian (data)

Difficulty rating: 1410

9.

On a certain math exam, 10%10\% of the students got 7070 points, 25%25\% got 8080 points, 20%20\% got 8585 points, 15%15\% got 9090 points, and the rest got 9595 points. What is the difference between the mean and the median score on this exam?

00

11

22

44

55

Solution:

The percentage scoring 9595 is 10010252015=30.100 - 10 - 25 - 20 - 15 = 30.

The mean is 0.10(70)+0.25(80)+0.20(85)+0.15(90)+0.30(95)=86. 0.10(70) + 0.25(80) + 0.20(85) + 0.15(90) + 0.30(95) = 86.

Cumulatively, 10%10\% are below 80,80, 35%35\% are at or below 80,80, and 55%55\% are at or below 85.85. The middle scores fall at 85,85, so the median is 85.85.

The difference is 8685=1.86 - 85 = 1.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

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