Math Dictionary / Outlier
Outlier
An outlier is a data value that is far away from most of the other values.
StatisticsGrade 6Grade 7Grade 8Algebra 1GEDSATACT
What it means
Outliers can affect measures such as the mean.
Also called: unusual value
Examples
| In 4, 5, 6, 7, 50, the value 50 is an outlier |
| A very high score can raise the mean |
| A scatter plot point far from the pattern may be an outlier |
Common mistake
Do not remove an outlier unless there is a valid reason, such as a recording error.
Try one
Question: Which value looks like an outlier: 10, 11, 12, 13, 80?
Show answer
80.