Question 22

The median of the data set is 5.

To find the median, the data set must be ordered from least to greatest: 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 12. Since there are seven numbers, the median is the fourth number in this ordered list, which is 5.

A) 12

Option A is incorrect because, while 12 is the highest value in the data set, it does not represent the median. The median specifically refers to the middle value when the data is arranged in order, not the maximum value.

B) 6

Option B is incorrect because 6 is not present in the data set. The median must be derived from the actual values in the data, and since 6 is not one of them, it cannot be the median.

C) 6

Similar to Option B, Option C is also incorrect for the same reason. The data set does not contain the number 6, and thus it cannot be the median value.

D) 5

Option D is correct as it represents the median of the ordered data set. With seven values, the median is determined by identifying the middle number, which is indeed 5.

Conclusion

The correct answer is 5, as it accurately reflects the median of the ordered data set. All other options either misrepresent the concept of median by suggesting values not present in the data or fail to identify the correct middle value. Therefore, 5 stands as the definitive median.