5. Which of the following numbers is an outlier in the data set below? 7, 9, 10, 10, 12, 14, 43
Answer: A
43 is the outlier in the data set.
In the provided data set of 7, 9, 10, 10, 12, 14, and 43, the number 43 stands out significantly from the rest of the values, making it the outlier.
A) 43
This option is correct because 43 is much larger than the other numbers in the data set. The majority of the values range from 7 to 14, and 43 deviates from this range, indicating it does not belong to the same group.
B) 10
This option is incorrect as 10 is one of the common numbers in the data set, appearing twice. It fits well within the range of the other numbers and does not exhibit the same level of deviation as the outlier.
C) 14
This option is also incorrect because 14 lies within the range of the other values. It is not significantly different from the other numbers and therefore cannot be considered an outlier.
D) 7
This option is incorrect as well. While 7 is the lowest number in the set, it still falls within a reasonable range when compared to the other values and does not exhibit the extreme deviation characteristic of an outlier.
Conclusion
The number 43 is definitively identified as the outlier due to its significant divergence from the other numbers in the data set. All other options, including 10, 14, and 7, fall within a more consistent range, confirming that 43 is the only value that disrupts the overall pattern.