4. Each high-school student threw a tennis ball 3 ×; each throw was rounded to the nearest 5 ft. The recorded lengths are shown (longest 120 ft). How many of the 15 throws were less than 90 % of the longest throw?
Answer: B
Nine of the 15 throws were less than 90% of the longest throw.
To determine how many throws were less than 90% of the longest throw of 120 ft, we calculate 90% of 120 ft, which is 108 ft. Then, we count how many recorded lengths are below this threshold.
A) Eight
This option suggests that only eight throws were less than 108 ft. Given the calculation, this is incorrect as it underestimates the number of valid throws falling below the specified limit.
B) Nine
This option accurately reflects that nine throws were recorded at lengths less than 108 ft, making it the correct choice. The data indicates that this is the right count of throws under the threshold.
C) Ten
This option overestimates the number of throws below 108 ft. If ten throws were less than 108 ft, that would exceed the actual count of valid recordings, making it incorrect.
D) Eleven
This option also overstates the number of throws below 108 ft. Eleven throws falling under this limit is inaccurate according to the recorded lengths, thus rendering this choice incorrect.
E) Twelve
This option suggests an even higher count of throws less than 108 ft, which contradicts the evidence provided by the recorded lengths. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.
Conclusion
The correct answer is nine, as this accurately represents the number of recorded throws that were less than 90% of the longest throw of 120 ft. All other options fail to reflect the actual counts based on the calculation and the provided data.