Range - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn what range means in mathematics with simple explanations, examples, and practice activities
What is Range in Math?
In mathematics, the range tells us how spread out numbers are in a set of data. It's the difference between the largest and smallest values in a group of numbers.
Think of range like measuring how far apart the tallest and shortest students are in your class. If the tallest student is 5 feet 8 inches and the shortest is 4 feet 2 inches, the range would be the difference between these two heights.
Range helps us understand how varied or consistent a set of numbers is. A small range means the numbers are close together, while a large range means they're spread far apart.
Key Concept
Range = Largest Number - Smallest Number. This simple formula helps us measure the spread in any data set.
How to Find the Range
Finding the range is easy when you follow these steps:
Range Formula
This formula works for any set of numbers!
Example: Find the range of these test scores: 78, 85, 92, 64, 90
Step 1: Identify the largest number → 92
Step 2: Identify the smallest number → 64
Step 3: Subtract: 92 - 64 = 28
So the range is 28. This tells us that the scores vary by 28 points.
Remember
Range only considers the highest and lowest values, not the numbers in between. Always arrange your numbers in order to make it easier to spot the smallest and largest values.
Range Examples
Range is used in many real-world situations. Here are some examples:
Example 1: Weather Temperatures
The daily high temperatures for a week: 72°F, 68°F, 75°F, 80°F, 73°F
Example 2: Student Heights
Heights of students in a class (in cm): 142, 135, 155, 148, 160, 138
Example 3: Test Scores
Math test scores: 88, 92, 76, 85, 95, 100, 65
| Data Set | Smallest Value | Largest Value | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5, 8, 3, 9, 2 | 2 | 9 | 7 |
| 15, 20, 25, 18 | 15 | 25 | 10 |
| 100, 95, 105, 110 | 95 | 110 | 15 |
| 7.5, 8.2, 6.9, 7.8 | 6.9 | 8.2 | 1.3 |
Practice Tip
Try finding the range of ages in your family, prices of your favorite snacks, or distances to your friends' houses!
Range Practice Quiz
Test your understanding with this 5-question quiz. Choose the correct answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about range in math:
Math Trivia
Discover interesting facts about range and mathematics:
Historical Range
The concept of range has been used since ancient times. Early astronomers used range to measure differences in star positions, and merchants used it to track price variations.
Range in Nature
Scientists use range to study natural phenomena. For example, the range of temperatures in a habitat helps determine which plants and animals can survive there.
Range in Space
Astronomers use range to measure distances between celestial bodies. The range between Earth and the Moon is about 384,400 km, while the range to the Sun is 149.6 million km!
Temperature Range
The largest temperature range ever recorded in one day was in Browning, Montana in 1916. The temperature fell from 44°F to -56°F, a range of 100°F in just 24 hours!
