Mean change from data set edits is a grade 6 math skill aligned to Common Core standard 6.SP.B.5: summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context, reporting measures of center and variability. Below are 8 practice questions with answers and step-by-step explanations, drawn from the 10 mean change from data set edits problems our math games drill.
CCSS 6.SP.B.510 questions in the bank
Sample questions
Try 8 for free
Question 1easy
A weather station records five daily rainfall amounts, in inches: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The lowest amount, 1 inch, is removed from the data set. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the original five amounts is 51+2+3+4+5=3 inches. Because 1<3, removing the smallest value raises the mean.
Question 2easy
A runner logs five lap times, in seconds: 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26. A sixth lap time of 16 seconds is added to the data set. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the original five times is 518+20+22+24+26=22 seconds. Because 16<22, adding 16 pulls the mean down.
Question 3easy
A biologist measures five plant heights, in inches: 58, 60, 62, 64, and 66. The tallest plant, 66 inches, is removed from the data set. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the original five heights is 558+60+62+64+66=62 inches. Because 66>62, removing the largest value lowers the mean.
Question 4easy
A bookstore tracks five daily sales totals, in dollars: 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. A sixth day with sales of 20 is added to the data set. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the original five totals is 510+15+20+25+30=20 dollars. Because the new value equals the current mean, the mean stays 20.
Question 5easy
A student logs five daily page counts: 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40. A sixth day with 45 pages read is added to the data set. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the original five counts is 520+25+30+35+40=30 pages. Because 45>30, adding 45 pulls the mean up.
Question 6easy
A shipping clerk weighs five packages at 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 pounds. The 70-pound package is removed from the data set. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the original five weights is 550+55+60+65+70=60 pounds. Because 70>60, removing the heaviest package lowers the mean.
Question 7medium
A cyclist records five ride distances, in miles: 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24. Another ride distance is added to the data set, but its length is not given. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the five known distances can be found, but the effect of the change depends on the unknown sixth distance. Without that value, the new mean cannot be determined.
Question 8medium
Five test scores are 70, 78, 84, 90, and 96. One score is removed from the data set, but which score was removed is not stated. How does this affect the mean?
The mean of the five given scores can be found, but removing a different score changes the mean in different ways. Without knowing which score was removed, the effect cannot be determined.
Play it
Math games for Grade 6
Questions like these are served inside our head-to-head math games.