Compute Variance from a Python List
Quick Overview
This question evaluates understanding of basic statistical concepts and numerical computation—specifically population versus sample variance—and tests algorithmic implementation skills, edge-case handling, and complexity reasoning within the Coding & Algorithms domain.
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Oct 29, 2025, 12:00 AM
Data Scientist
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Coding & Algorithms
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Given a Python list of numeric values, write a function to compute the variance without using external libraries such as NumPy or pandas.
Clarify any assumptions you make, such as:
- whether you are computing population variance or sample variance,
- how to handle an empty list or a list with one element,
- and the expected time and space complexity.