Question

On a certain math exam, $10\%$ of the students got $70$ points, $25\%$ got $80$ points, $20\%$ got $85$ points, $15\%$ got $90$ points, and the rest got $95$ points. What is the difference between the mean and the median score on this exam?

$0$

$1$

$2$

$4$

$5$

Answer: B

Concepts:mean median (data)

Difficulty rating: 1410

Solution:

The percentage scoring $95$ is $100 - 10 - 25 - 20 - 15 = 30.$

The mean is $\begin{aligned} &0.10(70) + 0.25(80) \\ &\quad {}+ 0.20(85) + 0.15(90) \\ &\quad {}+ 0.30(95) = 86. \end{aligned}$

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

The difference is $86 - 85 = 1.$

Thus, the correct answer is B.

2005 AMC 12B Problem 9

Answer: B

Difficulty rating: 1410

Solution:

Problem 9 in Other Years