The mean test scores with standard deviations of four English classes are given below.

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|}
\hline Class & Mean & Standard Deviation \\
\hline Mrs. Jones & 89 & 1.9 \\
\hline Mrs. Rijo & 82 & 1.4 \\
\hline Mr. Phan & 73 & 3.4 \\
\hline Mrs. Scott & 90 & 6.1 \\
\hline \hline
\end{tabular}

Which statement is most likely to be true?

A. The scores of Mrs. Scott's class are the closest to the class mean.

B. The scores of Mr. Phan's class are the closest to the class mean.

C. The scores of Mrs. Jones's class are the closest to the class mean.

D. The scores of Mrs. Rijo's class are the closest to the class mean.



Answer :

To determine which statement is most likely to be true, we need to identify which class has the test scores closest to the class mean. The class with scores closest to the class mean will have the smallest standard deviation.

Here are the means and standard deviations for each class:

- Mrs. Jones: Mean = 89, Standard Deviation = 1.9
- Mrs. Rijo: Mean = 82, Standard Deviation = 1.4
- Mr. Phan: Mean = 73, Standard Deviation = 3.4
- Mrs. Scott: Mean = 90, Standard Deviation = 6.1

Now, let's compare the standard deviations to determine which class has the smallest one:

1. Mrs. Jones: Standard Deviation = 1.9
2. Mrs. Rijo: Standard Deviation = 1.4
3. Mr. Phan: Standard Deviation = 3.4
4. Mrs. Scott: Standard Deviation = 6.1

The smallest standard deviation is 1.4, which corresponds to Mrs. Rijo's class. Therefore, the scores of Mrs. Rijo's class are the closest to the class mean.

Hence, the statement that is most likely to be true is:
- The scores of Mrs. Rijo's class are the closest to the class mean.