Question

interpreting the data
the median rainfall during a spring storm in the lowlands is about 4 mm less than a spring storm in the highlands. the mean rainfall for the lowlands is about 3 mm less than for the highlands. why is there a difference in the central measures for each data - set?

Explanation:

Step1: Understand mean and median

Mean is the sum of all values divided by number of values. Median is the middle - value when data is ordered.

Step2: Consider data distribution

Differences in mean and median can occur due to skewness in data. If data is skewed right (has a long right - tail), mean > median. If skewed left (has a long left - tail), mean < median. In the context of rainfall, different geographical areas (lowlands and highlands) may have different distributions of rainfall amounts. For example, in the lowlands, a few very high - rainfall events could pull the mean up while not affecting the median as much, or vice - versa in the highlands.

Answer:

The difference in central measures (mean and median) for each data set is likely due to differences in the distribution of rainfall amounts in the lowlands and highlands, such as skewness in the data.