In the feeder pig example, what was the average initial weight of the feeder pigs?

In the feeder pig example, what was the average initial weight of the feeder pigs?

• A. 20 lb
• B. 30 lb
• C. 40 lb
• D. 50 lb

Answer: (C)

The main idea is finding the average (mean) weight by adding all the initial weights and dividing by how many pigs there are. In the feeder pig example, the initial weights are centered around 40 pounds, so the mean ends up about 40 pounds. This fits the common starter size for feeder pigs used in grow-out programs. We wouldn’t expect an average of 20 or 30 pounds because those are lighter than the typical starter weight, and 50 pounds is heavier than the usual starting point, which would push the average higher than what the data show. So the average initial weight is 40 pounds.

The main idea is finding the average (mean) weight by adding all the initial weights and dividing by how many pigs there are. In the feeder pig example, the initial weights are centered around 40 pounds, so the mean ends up about 40 pounds. This fits the common starter size for feeder pigs used in grow-out programs. We wouldn’t expect an average of 20 or 30 pounds because those are lighter than the typical starter weight, and 50 pounds is heavier than the usual starting point, which would push the average higher than what the data show. So the average initial weight is 40 pounds.