Find the Range

What “range” means

The range is a simple measure of spread in a set of numbers. It tells you how far apart the smallest and largest values are.

Method

1. List the data carefully. Read every number in the set.

2. Find the smallest value. This is the minimum.

3. Find the largest value. This is the maximum.

4. Subtract:

   range = maximum − minimum

Important details

• Use only the largest and smallest values; the other numbers do not change the range directly.
• If the numbers include decimals or negatives, compare them carefully before subtracting.
• When the answer can be simplified, write it in its simplest exact form.

Quick check

Your result should be a nonnegative number, because the largest value is always at least as big as the smallest. If you got a negative number, reverse the subtraction and check your work.

Example pattern

If the smallest value is 3 and the largest value is 11, then the range is 11 − 3 = 8.

Final tip

Always identify the minimum and maximum first. Most mistakes happen from skipping that step or reading the values in the wrong order.