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

1.Mean 14, standard deviation 2.8

2.Mean 9, standard deviation 1.5

3.Mean 12, standard deviation 2.1

4.Mean 8, standard deviation 1.2

A1, 2, 3, 4

B2, 3, 4, 1

C4, 2, 3, 1 ✓ Correct

D3, 4, 1, 2

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

Explanation

The coefficient of variation equals standard deviation over mean, so the ascending order runs 4, 2, 3, 1.

Dataset 4 gives 1.2 over 8 equal to 0.15, the smallest relative spread.

Dataset 2 gives 1.5 over 9 equal to 0.167, placing it second.

Dataset 3 gives 2.1 over 12 equal to 0.175, placing it third.

Dataset 1 gives 2.8 over 14 equal to 0.20, the largest relative spread.

A smaller coefficient of variation signals a more consistent, less variable dataset.

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