Question

6) Suppose you had the following body temperature readings, all in °F: (Don't forget to answer the questions in parts (d) and (e)).

96.21 97.65 97.39 97.97 97.28 99.43

a) calculate the mean, variance and standard deviation.

b) now convert these readings to °C (us biologists like the metric system, after all). To convert, remember that °C = °F/1.8 - 32/1.8. For example, to convert the first reading you would do: 96.21/1.8 - 32/1.8 = 53.43 - 17.78 = 35.67.

c) now calculate the mean, variance and standard deviation of the converted data.

d) take the mean you calculated in (a) and convert this to Celsius using the same formula you used in (b). Are you surprised by the results? Why or why not?

e) take the standard deviation from (a) and divide it by 1.8. Can you explain the results? Why didn't you have to subtract 32/1.8? Watch your math in this step!

Answer 1