Question

a lawn - care specialist chooses a random sample from the yard and determines the number of weeds in the sample. the results of the sample are shown in the table below.

weed type	number
dandelion	2
clover	3
crab grass	2
chickweed	2

which explains whether or not this is a representative sample?
yes, this is a representative sample because each type of weed is represented in the sample.
yes, this is a representative sample because each type of weed is represented approximately the same number of times in the sample.
no, this is not a representative sample because each type of weed should be represented in proportion to the number of weeds actually present in the yard.
no, this is not a representative sample because each type of weed should be represented exactly the same number of times in the sample.

Explanation:

A representative sample should reflect the actual proportions of different elements in the population. Just having each type present or present in equal - like numbers is not enough. The sample should be in proportion to the actual number of each weed type in the yard.

Answer:

No, this is not a representative sample because each type of weed should be represented in proportion to the number of weeds actually present in the yard.