How can you define the range of a data set?

The range of a data set is defined as the difference between the largest and smallest values within that set. This metric gives a clear indication of the spread or dispersion of the data points. By subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value, one can easily understand how wide the set of values spans, which is crucial in identifying the variability within the data.

In statistical terms, calculating the range can provide insights into the variability of a dataset, helping to identify outliers and overall consistency in the data. This method is straightforward and requires only two pieces of information—the highest and lowest values—making it an efficient way to assess the extent of the dataset.

Other options, such as calculating the average or identifying the median or mode, focus on different aspects of the data and do not encompass the concept of range. The average reflects a central tendency, the median represents the middle value of an ordered set, and the mode indicates the most frequently occurring value, none of which directly measures the spread or extent of the data set.