What does the range of a data set represent?

The range of a data set is defined as the difference between the largest and smallest data points in that set. This measurement gives an insight into the spread or dispersion of the data. To find the range, you simply subtract the smallest value from the largest value, which helps you understand how much variability exists within the data set.

For example, if the smallest data point is 3 and the largest is 10, the range would be calculated as 10 - 3, resulting in a range of 7. This tells you that the values in the data set vary by 7 units from the smallest to the largest value, thereby reflecting the overall distribution of the data. This concept is crucial in statistics as it aids in understanding the characteristics of the data set.