Question

a magazine published a list consisting of the state tax on each gallon of gas. if we add the 50 state tax amounts and then divide by 50, we get 27.3 cents. is the value of 27.3 cents the mean amount of state sales tax paid by all u.s. drivers? why or why not? choose the correct answer below. a. yes, the value of 27.3 cents is the mean because it is a measure of center and all measures of centers can be referred to as either an average or a mean. b. no, the value of 27.3 cents is not the mean because it is the median that is found by summing all sample values and then dividing the by total number of values. c. yes, the value of 27.3 cents is the mean because a mean is found by summing all sample values and then dividing the by total number of values. d. no, the value of 27.3 cents is not the mean because the 50 amounts are all weighted equally in the calculation, but some states consume more gas than others, so the mean amount of state sales tax should be calculated using a weighted mean.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall mean - calculation concept

The simple mean is calculated by summing values and dividing by count.

Step2: Consider real - world situation

States have different gas consumption levels.

Step3: Determine correct approach

A weighted mean is needed as states don't have equal influence on total tax paid.

Answer:

D. No, the value of 27.3 cents is not the mean because the 50 amounts are all weighted equally in the calculation, but some states consume more gas than others, so the mean amount of state sales tax should be calculated using a weighted mean