You have a dataset with 10 points clustered hierarchically. You want exactly 3 clusters. Which fcluster call correctly achieves this?

hard📝 Application Q15 of 15

SciPy - Clustering and Distance

You have a dataset with 10 points clustered hierarchically. You want exactly 3 clusters. Which fcluster call correctly achieves this?

Afcluster(Z, 0.5, criterion='inconsistent')

Bfcluster(Z, 3, criterion='maxclust')

Cfcluster(Z, 0.5, criterion='maxclust')

Dfcluster(Z, 3, criterion='distance')

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Understand criteria for exact cluster count
To get exactly 3 clusters, use criterion='maxclust' with t=3 specifying number of clusters.
Step 2: Analyze options
fcluster(Z, 3, criterion='maxclust') correctly uses maxclust with 3 clusters. fcluster(Z, 3, criterion='distance') uses distance criterion which does not guarantee exact cluster count. Options A and C use incorrect thresholds or criteria.
Final Answer:
fcluster(Z, 3, criterion='maxclust') -> Option B
Quick Check:
maxclust + t=number of clusters = exact clusters [OK]

Quick Trick: Use criterion='maxclust' with t = desired cluster count [OK]

Common Mistakes:

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