Arrange the data sets with the following pairs of mean and standard deviation in increasing order of their coefficient of variation. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

1.Mean 8, standard deviation 1.7

2.Mean 11, standard deviation 2.2

3.Mean 15, standard deviation 3.6

4.Mean 16, standard deviation 3

A1, 2, 4, 3

B2, 4, 3, 1

C3, 2, 4, 1

D4, 2, 1, 3 ✓ Correct

Correct answer: (D) 4, 2, 1, 3

Explanation

The coefficient of variation equals standard deviation divided by mean, so the increasing order runs 4, 2, 1, 3.

Dataset 4 gives 3 over 16 equal to 0.188, the smallest relative spread.

Dataset 2 gives 2.2 over 11 equal to 0.20, placing it second.

Dataset 1 gives 1.7 over 8 equal to 0.213, placing it third.

Dataset 3 gives 3.6 over 15 equal to 0.24, the largest relative spread.

Being unit free, the coefficient of variation compares dispersion across series with different means.

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