What does the range of a set of data indicate?

The range of a set of data is a measure that indicates the spread of values from the smallest (minimum) to the largest (maximum). It is calculated by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value, providing a simple way to understand how much variability exists in the data set. A larger range suggests that the data points are more spread out, while a smaller range indicates that they are closer together. This concept is essential in statistics as it helps convey the extent of variation present in the data.

While the average value reflects the central tendency of the data and provides insight into what is typical within the set, it does not give any indication of how values are distributed around that average. The most common value or mode simply highlights the data point that appears most frequently, disregarding other values entirely. The center value, or median, represents the middle point in a sorted data set and does not reflect the full spread of values. Hence, among the options given, the range is uniquely identified by its measurement of spread from the minimum to the maximum, making it a crucial element in the analysis of data variability.