Which term best describes estimating a value that lies between two known values in a dataset?

• A. Extrapolation
• B. Rounding
• C. Interpolation
• D. Averaging

Answer: (C)

Interpolation is estimating a value inside the range defined by two known data points. When you know how a quantity changes at two points, you can infer what it would be at a value between them by assuming the change is smooth between those points. This is different from extrapolation, which tries to estimate beyond the known values, and from rounding, which simply reduces precision, or from averaging, which combines values rather than pinpointing a specific inside-the-range value. For example, if fuel burn is known at two altitudes, interpolation lets you estimate the burn at an altitude between them by assuming a gradual change between those points.