Q_1, Median, and Q_3 of A,B,C,D & E

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the first quartile (Q1), median, and third quartile (Q3) for the dataset A=18, B=19, C=23, D=31, and E=36. The correct values are Q1=19, median=23, and Q3=31, leading to an interquartile range (IQR) of 12. A discrepancy arises with Wolfram Alpha (W|A), which uses interpolation to determine Q1 as 19.25 and Q3 as 30.25, resulting in an IQR of 11. This highlights the difference between standard quartile calculation and interpolation methods.

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View attachment 1129
$$A=18$$ (first data in list)
$$B=19 Q_1$$
$$C=23$$ (median of list)
$$D=31 Q_3$$
$$E=36$$ (last data of list)

altho the problem doesn't ask for it, but W|A says the interquartile range is $$11$$ but here
$$Q_3-Q_1$$ is $$31-19=12$$?
 
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Re: box plot

karush said:
View attachment 1129
$$A=18$$ (first data in list)
$$B=19 Q_1$$
$$C=23$$ (median of list)
$$D=31 Q_3$$
$$E=36$$ (last data of list)

altho the problem doesn't ask for it, but W|A says the interquartile range is $$11$$ but here
$$Q_3-Q_1$$ is $$31-19=12$$?

Hi karush!

Your answers are all correct using the regular and simple method to determine the quartiles.
The reason W|A gives something different is because W|A interpolates between the numbers.
The actual first quartile is between 19 and 20. W|A interpolates and makes it $$19\frac 14$$.
Similarly W|A interpolates the third quartile to be $$30\frac 14$$, resulting in an interquartile range of $$11$$.
 

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