Consider the distribution of mathematics SAT scores of students in honors calculus at a liberal arts college. What would you expect the shape and variation of the distribution to be?

A. Symmetric with little variation
B. Symmetric with large variation
C. Skewed right with large variation
D. Skewed left with little variation

Answer : B

Honor calculus students.. I think it would be skewed. More higher scores than lower scores. I don't think there would be much variation. What do you think?

To determine the shape and variation of the distribution of mathematics SAT scores of students in honors calculus at a liberal arts college, you would need to analyze the data. Here's how you could approach it:

1. Collect the data: Obtain the mathematics SAT scores of students in honors calculus at the liberal arts college. This can be done by accessing the college's records or conducting surveys among the students.

2. Create a data set: Compile all the mathematics SAT scores obtained into a dataset or spreadsheet. This will enable you to organize and analyze the data effectively.

3. Visualize the data: Plot a histogram or a frequency distribution graph to visualize the distribution of the mathematics SAT scores. This will help you determine the shape of the distribution.

4. Analyze the shape: Examine the histogram or frequency distribution graph to identify the shape of the distribution. If the distribution is roughly symmetric (meaning it is evenly distributed around a central value), then options A and B become potential choices. If the distribution is not symmetric, then options C and D become potential choices.

5. Assess the variation: Look at the spread or variability of the data. If the scores exhibit a large range and wide distribution, then options B and C become more likely choices. If the scores have relatively little variation and are concentrated around a specific value, then options A and D become more likely choices.

Based on the above analysis, it seems that option B, which signifies a symmetric distribution with large variation, would be the most appropriate answer for the distribution of mathematics SAT scores of students in honors calculus at a liberal arts college.