📊 GMAT Exam Prep

A dataset of employee salaries shows a mean of $70,000 and a standard deviation of $10,000. If every employee receives a $5,000 raise, what will be the new mean and standard deviation of salaries?

A Mean: $70,000, SD: $10,000
B Mean: $75,000, SD: $10,000
C Mean: $75,000, SD: $15,000
D Mean: $70,000, SD: $15,000

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Adding a constant value to every data point shifts the mean by that constant, so the new mean is $70,000 + $5,000 = $75,000. However, it does not change the spread or variability of the data, so the standard deviation remains $10,000.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A dataset of employee salaries shows a mean of $70,000 and a standard deviation of $10,000. If every employee receives a $5,000 raise, what will be the new mean and standard deviation of salaries?" is Option B: Mean: $75,000, SD: $10,000.

The other options — A) Mean: $70,000, SD: $10,000, C) Mean: $75,000, SD: $15,000, D) Mean: $70,000, SD: $15,000 — are incorrect for this GMAT Exam Prep question. As explained above: Adding a constant value to every data point shifts the mean by that constant, so the new mean is $70,000 + $5,000 = $75,000. However, it does not change the spread or variability of the data, so the …

📚 About This GMAT Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level GMAT Exam Prep question from the Data Insights topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GMAT Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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