The marks of eight students in a test are: 3, 10, 4, 5, 14, 13, 16 and 7. Find the range

Analyze the question: We are asked for the range of the marks: 3, 10, 4, 5, 14, 13, 16 and 7.

Concept: The range is the difference between the highest and the lowest values in a data set.

Range = Highest value − Lowest value

Solution:

1. Arrange the marks in order: 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13, 14, 16
2. Highest mark = 16
3. Lowest mark = 3
4. Range = 16 − 3 = 13

Answer: Option C (13).

Note that option A (16) is just the highest mark, not the range. Many students fall into that trap.

Tip: For range questions, don't subtract neighbouring numbers or pick the largest value. Quickly scan for the maximum and minimum, then subtract. Sorting the data first helps you avoid missing either one.