Question

suppose the average height of palm trees at a beach is 20 feet, with a standard deviation of 3 feet. suppose a hurricane comes through, and afterward, every tree grows exactly 5 feet. how would this affect the standard - deviation of the tree heights?
a) standard deviation will decrease.
b) standard deviation will become 5.
c) standard deviation will stay the same.
d) standard deviation will increase.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand standard deviation concept

Standard deviation measures spread of data.

Step2: Analyze hurricane - all trees grow equally

If every tree grows exactly the same amount, the relative distances between the tree - heights remain unchanged.

Step3: Determine effect on standard deviation

Since the spread of the data (relative differences between values) does not change, the standard deviation stays the same.

Answer:

Standard deviation will stay the same.