Which of the following is TRUE regarding an ideal normal (Gaussian) distribution?
- A Mean is greater than median, which is greater than mode
- B Mean, median and mode all coincide ✓
- C Mean equals twice the median
- D Median is greater than mean, which is greater than mode
Correct answer: B. Mean, median and mode all coincide
Explanation
A normal distribution is perfectly symmetrical about its centre, so the mean, median and mode fall at the same point. When mean exceeds mode the curve is positively skewed, and when mode exceeds mean it is negatively skewed; option A describes right skew. The 68-95-99.7 rule governs spread, not relative positions of the averages.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.