Chapter 2.1, Problem 2.21E

(a)

To determine

To Explain: the shape, centre and spread of the distribution

Explanation of Solution

Given:

  

By seeing the histogram the highest bar on the left side and lowest on the right side which shows that the distribution is right skewed or positive skewed and the minimum and maximum percentages are 6% and 11% respectively so the spread of the data is between 6% and 11%. The centre lies between 7% and 8%.

(b)

To determine

To Explain: the preferable to use percents rather than counts on the vertical axis of a histogram

Explanation of Solution

Percentages are more useful if want to determine this for the normal population on the vertical axis of a histogram rather than per state because frequency distributions are shows that classify and present frequency counts so that the information can be explained more simply.

(c)

To determine

To Explain: the possible reason behind such a high percent of low-birth weight infants.

Explanation of Solution

There are many reasons behind high percent of low-birth weight infants which are possible causes are poverty, lots of obesity, infection in the mother or baby prior to birth, multiple birth (twins or more), prematurity and more teenage birth etc.