An organization tracking college expenses reported that the average cost of textbooks and supplies for students attending four-year public colleges and universities in the 2015-16 academic year is . Suppose a sample of 15 students was selected and the accompanying data reflect the amount they paid for textbooks and supplies during that year. $1,358 $1,204 $1,207 $1,062
$1,316 $1,38 $1,554 $1,501 $1,421
$1,398 $1,223 $1,382 $1,542 $1,176

Required:
a. Calculate the mean and standard deviation.
b. Determine the number of standard deviations the most extreme cost is away from the mean. If someone were to advise a prospective student concerning the money the student should save to afford the cost of books and supplies for one year for at least 90% of the colleges, determine the amount they would suggest.