Stretch: Describe and Compare Data Shapes
I can describe a distribution by center, spread, and shape, and compare two distributions.
🧠 The Challenge
centerspreadshape (skew / clusters)compare
To compare two data sets, look at all three features: center (which is typically higher), spread (which varies more), and shape (symmetric, skewed, clustered, or with gaps).
👀 Worked Example
Class A scores cluster near 85 with small spread; Class B centers near 70 with a wide spread and a low outlier. A is higher and more consistent; B is lower and more variable.
✏️ Your Turn
0 of 3 checks complete
1. Set A centers at 50, Set B at 80. Which has the higher center?
2. Data tails off to the right with a few large values. The shape is…
3. Two sets share the same center, but one ranges 40–60 and the other 10–90. Which is more spread out?
💬 Explain Your Thinking
Compare two data sets you can imagine, using all three features:
"Set A has center blank, spread blank, shape blank. Set B has center blank, spread blank, shape blank. So blank."