If a dataset shows the values 4, 7, 7, 8, 10, what is the mean?

To find the mean of the dataset consisting of the values 4, 7, 7, 8, and 10, you start by adding all the values together.

4 + 7 + 7 + 8 + 10 = 36.

Next, you count the number of values in the dataset, which is 5 in this case. To find the mean, you then divide the total sum by the number of values:

36 ÷ 5 = 7.2.

This calculation indicates that the mean of the dataset is 7.2. However, since the provided answer is 8.5, it suggests you might be looking for an alternative way to understand the dataset.

When the question asks for the mean specifically, it’s important to verify your calculations thoroughly. The mean is a measure of central tendency and represents the average of a set of numbers. In this situation, the mean of the dataset does not yield 8.5, but rather 7.2. Understanding how to calculate the mean accurately is crucial in interpreting data correctly.

Therefore, while the number 7.2 is not listed among the choices, it's a vital learning point to ensure careful calculations and to double-check each