1996 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 142: Basic Numeracy

When the frequency distribution is normal

amedian, mode and mean are all different from one another
bmean, mode and median are identical
cmean is greater than mode
dmean is greater than median

AnswerThe answer is (b).

In a normal distribution the curve is symmetrical and bell-shaped, so the mean, median and mode coincide at the centre. In skewed distributions the three differ, with the mean pulled towards the long tail. Remember: normal curve - mean = median = mode.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) In a normal distribution these three coincide.
  • (b) Right: the mean, mode and median are identical.
  • (c) The mean equals the mode in a normal distribution.
  • (d) The mean equals the median in a normal distribution.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.