Question:medium
In a left (negatively) skewed distribution curve, which statement is true?
In a left (negatively) skewed distribution curve, which statement is true?
Show Hint
The long tail on the left drags the mean below the mode.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Mean = Median
- Mean < Mode
- Mean > Mode
- Mean = Mode
Show Solution
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Picture the shape: a negatively skewed curve leans so that the stretched tail runs out to the left, toward the smaller readings. The peak sits to the right.
Step 2: Extreme low values in that tail exert the strongest pull on the mean because the mean uses every value. As a result the mean shifts furthest left, the mode stays at the right peak, and the median falls in between.
Step 3: Writing this as an inequality gives $Mean \lt Median \lt Mode$. Reducing it to the two central measures asked about, the mean clearly sits below the mode.
Step 4: Equality of mean and mode happens only when the curve is perfectly symmetrical, and a mean greater than mode would describe a right skewed curve instead. So for this left skewed curve the valid relation is mean less than mode.
\[\boxed{Mean \lt Mode}\]
Step 2: Extreme low values in that tail exert the strongest pull on the mean because the mean uses every value. As a result the mean shifts furthest left, the mode stays at the right peak, and the median falls in between.
Step 3: Writing this as an inequality gives $Mean \lt Median \lt Mode$. Reducing it to the two central measures asked about, the mean clearly sits below the mode.
Step 4: Equality of mean and mode happens only when the curve is perfectly symmetrical, and a mean greater than mode would describe a right skewed curve instead. So for this left skewed curve the valid relation is mean less than mode.
\[\boxed{Mean \lt Mode}\]
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