1. The problem asks for the mean number of siblings based on the given frequency distribution. 2. The mean (average) is calculated using the formula: $$\text{Mean} = \frac{\sum (x \times f)}{\sum f}$$ where $x$ is the number of siblings and $f$ is the frequency. 3. List the values: - Number of siblings ($x$): 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - Frequency ($f$): 3, 4, 8, 2, 4, 4 4. Calculate the sum of $x \times f$: $$0 \times 3 = 0$$ $$1 \times 4 = 4$$ $$2 \times 8 = 16$$ $$3 \times 2 = 6$$ $$4 \times 4 = 16$$ $$5 \times 4 = 20$$ Sum of $x \times f = 0 + 4 + 16 + 6 + 16 + 20 = 62$ 5. Calculate the total frequency: $$3 + 4 + 8 + 2 + 4 + 4 = 25$$ 6. Calculate the mean: $$\text{Mean} = \frac{62}{25}$$ Show cancellation: $$\text{Mean} = \frac{\cancel{62}}{\cancel{25}}$$ Since 62 and 25 have no common factors, the fraction remains as is. 7. Convert to decimal: $$\text{Mean} = 2.48$$ **Final answer:** The mean number of siblings is **2.48**.