The following data consists of birth weights (pounds) of a sample of newborn babies at a local hospital:
8.9      7.8      10.2      6.5      9.6      10.3      6.8      10.1      8.7      7.8      7.8
Calculate the range, variance, and standard deviation.
Calculate your answer using this Spreadsheet template.

To calculate the range, variance, and standard deviation using a spreadsheet, follow these steps:

### 1. Enter the Data:
Place the birth weights into a column. Let’s assume we enter them starting from cell `A1`:

```
A1: 8.9
A2: 7.8
A3: 10.2
A4: 6.5
A5: 9.6
A6: 10.3
A7: 6.8
A8: 10.1
A9: 8.7
A10: 7.8
A11: 7.8
```

### 2. Calculate the Range:
The range is the difference between the maximum and minimum values in the data set.

- In cell `B1`, enter the formula to find the **maximum value**:
  ```
  =MAX(A1:A11)
  ```
- In cell `B2`, enter the formula to find the **minimum value**:
  ```
  =MIN(A1:A11)
  ```
- In cell `B3`, calculate the **range** by subtracting the minimum from the maximum:
  ```
  =B1-B2
  ```

### 3. Calculate the Variance:
For variance, we will calculate the **sample variance** (assuming this is a sample, not the entire population). In cell `B4`, enter the formula for variance:
```
=VAR.S(A1:A11)
```

### 4. Calculate the Standard Deviation:
The standard deviation is the square root of the variance. In cell `B5`, enter the formula for the standard deviation:
```
=STDEV.S(A1:A11)
```

### Spreadsheet Calculation Example:
- Maximum value (MAX) = 10.3
- Minimum value (MIN) = 6.5
- Range = 10.3 - 6.5 = **3.8**

The variance and standard deviation would be calculated automatically by the spreadsheet. If you'd like, I can help you interpret or verify the results, but based on the steps above, your spreadsheet will calculate the values for you.

Would you like more details or have any questions on this process?

---

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:
1. How does the variance change if you add another birth weight of 8.0 to the dataset?
2. What is the interpretation of standard deviation in this context of birth weights?
3. How would you calculate the coefficient of variation for this dataset?
4. Can you explain the difference between sample variance and population variance?
5. How would the range, variance, and standard deviation change if the data were scaled by multiplying all values by 2?

**Tip:** When working with larger datasets, make sure to label your columns clearly in the spreadsheet to avoid confusion.

The following data consists of birth weights (pounds) of a sample of newborn babies at a local hospital: 8.9 7.8 10.2 6.5 9.6 10.3 6.8 10.1 8.7 7.8 7.8. Calculate the range, variance, and standard deviation.

Learn how to calculate the range, variance, and standard deviation for a sample of newborn birth weights: 8.9, 7.8, 10.2, 6.5, 9.6, 10.3, 6.8, 10.1, 8.7, 7.8, and 7.8. This statistical problem involves key descriptive statistics concepts, ideal for students in Grades 9-12.

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