12. 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 throws were less than 90% of the longest throw.
To determine how many of the 15 throws were less than 90% of the longest throw (120 ft), we calculate 90% of 120 ft, which is 108 ft. The analysis shows that nine of the recorded throws are below this threshold.
A) Eight
While eight throws might seem plausible, this option does not accurately reflect the total number of recorded throws that fall below 108 ft. A comprehensive check of the data indicates that more than eight throws are under this limit.
B) Nine
This option correctly identifies that nine of the recorded throws were less than 90% of the longest throw. By evaluating the recorded lengths, it is confirmed that exactly nine throws were under the 108 ft mark.
C) Ten
Choosing ten implies that a larger number of throws were under the 90% threshold than what the data supports. A thorough review shows that only nine throws fall below 108 ft, making this option incorrect.
D) Eleven
The claim that eleven throws are less than 90% of the longest throw is also incorrect. The recorded lengths show that the count is less than eleven, confirming that this option does not hold true.
E) Twelve
Option twelve suggests an even higher count of throws below the 90% threshold. However, the analysis indicates that only nine throws are under 108 ft, rendering this choice incorrect.
Conclusion
The correct answer is nine, as this accurately represents the number of throws below the threshold of 108 ft. All other options misestimate the count of throws falling under this limit, failing to align with the provided data. Thus, option B stands as the only correct answer.