Chapter 1.2, Problem 56E

To determine

The comparison of distributions of nitrate concentration in Stony Brook and Mill Brook streams.

Explanation of Solution

Given:The data distribution of nitrate concentration in Stony Brook and Mill Brook streams as shown below

  

Shape : The data distribution of nitrate concentration in Stony Brook stream is roughly symmetric with a single peak at 3.5 mg/L. The data distribution of nitrate concentration in Mill brook stream is skewed to right, with a single peak at 10 mg/L. There is a gap between concentration 14.5 mg/L and 18,20 mg/L.

Outliers: The nitrate concentration of 18 mg/L and 20 mg/L in Mill Brook stream are considered to be outliers. There are no outliers in Stony Brook stream.

Center: The median nitrate concentration in Stony Brook stream is 5 mg/L. The median nitrate concentration in Mill Brook stream is 8.25 mg/L.

Variability: The data of nitrate concentration in Stony Brook stream vary from 0 mg/L to 12 mg/L. The data of nitrate concentration in Mill Brook stream vary from 0 mg/L to 20 mg/L.

Comparing two data distributions we conclude that the nitrate concentration in Mill Brook stream is greater than nitrate concentration in Stony brook concentration.