Mean fall times from 2.0 m are 1.42 s for a 20 cm parachute, 1.89 s for 30 cm and 2.05 s for 40 cm. Ranges are 0.08 s, 0.11 s and 0.45 s. Interpret the trend and identify which conclusion is least secure.

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Mean time increases with diameter, but the 40 cm result is least secure because its spread is much larger; evidence for improvement from 30 to 40 cm is weak without more trials. Describe the overall positive association between diameter and fall time. Compare increases: +0.47 s then only +0.16 s. The 40 cm range 0.45 s is much larger than the other ranges and larger than the final mean difference. Recommend more repeats and control of canopy opening before claiming an optimum.

Interrogate the parachute data

Mean fall times from 2.0 m are 1.42 s for a 20 cm parachute, 1.89 s for 30 cm and 2.05 s for 40 cm. Ranges are 0.08 s, 0.11 s and 0.45 s. Interpret the trend and identify which conclusion is least secure.

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