How to Calculate Mean, Median, Mode, Range, and Standard Deviation
Understand central tendency and dispersion metrics: how to find the average (mean), the middle number (median), most frequent (mode), and spread (SD).
The Mean (Average) Acts as the Perfect Balance Fulcrum for All Data Points
The 4 Core Metrics Side-by-Side
| Metric | Simple Meaning | Formula | Example (Data: 2, 3, 7, 8, 9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean (xฬ) | The arithmetic average | ∑x / n | (2+3+7+8+9) / 5 = 5.8 |
| Median | The exact middle value | Middle rank after sorting | Sorted: 2, 3, [7], 8, 9 → 7 |
| Mode | Most frequent value | Highest frequency count | None (all unique numbers) |
| Range | Total span of data | Max − Min | 9 − 2 = 7 |
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Your Turn!
Score: 0 / 3Check Your Understanding (3 Quick Questions)
Question 1: Find the Mean (Average) of: 4, 8, 6, 5, 7:
Question 2: What is the Median of: 3, 9, 2, 8, 7?
Question 3: If a data set has an extreme outlier (e.g. a billionaire in a room), which metric is more trustworthy?
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