A researcher conducted a Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) test on surgical masks and reusable masks which have been used for 24 hours. The box-and-whisker plots represent the distribution of PFE scores.

1. Identify the maximum and minimum values for reusable masks from the box-and-whisker plot

$\text{Maximum value} = 74.5$
$\text{Minimum value} = 61$

2. Calculate the range

$\text{Range} = 74.5 - 61 = 13.5$

1. Identify the upper and lower quartiles for surgical masks from the box plot

$\text{Upper quartile } (Q_3) = 84$
$\text{Lower quartile } (Q_1) = 78.5$

2. Calculate the interquartile range

$\text{Interquartile range} = Q_3 - Q_1 = 84 - 78.5 = 5.5$

1. Compare the medians to make a statement about the average/general performance

Median for surgical masks = $81.5$
Median for reusable masks = $68$
Since $81.5 > 68$, surgical masks generally have higher PFE scores.

2. Compare the interquartile ranges (or ranges) to make a statement about the spread/consistency

IQR for surgical masks = $84 - 78.5 = 5.5$
IQR for reusable masks = $71 - 65 = 6$
Since $5.5 < 6$, the PFE scores for surgical masks are more consistent.