The value of the sum of the deviations from the mean, i.e., must always be
A) less than the zero
B) negative
C) either positive or negative depending on whether the mean is negative or positive
D) zero

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sum of the deviations from the mean is always equal to zero because by definition the mean represents the average of all the values, and any deviation above the mean is offset by an equal deviation below the mean. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) zero.

The Value of the Sum of the Deviations from the Mean