In the formula for calculating the standard deviation, the differences between each observation and the mean is squared. If we did not square these differences, the standard deviation would:
A) be too small to be of any usefulness
B) always be near zero
C) not be normally distributed
D) not be interpreted by z scores
E) None of the above; the formula does not require that the differences be squared.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the differences were not squared, their sum would be zero because positive and negative deviations from the mean would cancel each other out.

In the Formula for Calculating the Standard Deviation, the Differences