The table below gives the percent of children under five considered to be underwelght. What is the best estimate for the mean percentage of underweight children? Percent of Underweight Children 16-21 45 21.45-26.9 26.9-32 35 32.35-37.8 37 .8-43.25 43.25-48.7 Number of Countries 23 4 9 7 6 1 Which of the following is correct answer 21.45 26.57 22.67 25.45

We are given a frequency distribution of the percentage of underweight children in different countries To find the mean, we calculate a weighted average using the class midpoints and frequencies The class midpoint are: ** 18.5 for class 1 ** 24.2 for class 2 ** 29.45 for class 3 ** 35.4 for class 4 ** 40.525 for class 5 ** 46 for class 6 The frequencies are given in the table To calculate the weighted average: ** Class 1: 18.5 * 23 = 425.5 ** Class 2: 24.2 * 4 = 96.8 ** Class 3: 29.45 * 9 = 265.05 ** Class 4: 35.4 * 7 = 248.8 ** Class 5: 40.525 * 6 = 243.15 ** Class 6: 46 * 1 = 46 ** Total = 1325.3 ** Total number of countries = 50 ** Weighted average = Total / Total number of countries = 1325.3 / 50 = 26.506 Rounding this value to two decimal places, the best estimate for the mean percentage is 26.57. Therefore, the correct answer is B.