The sum of a series of numbers divided by how many numbers are included is called the mean, also referred to as the average.
Understanding the Mean
The mean, or average, provides a measure of central tendency in a dataset. It represents the typical value within a set of numbers. To calculate it, you simply add all the values together and divide by the total number of values.
Formula for the Mean
The formula for calculating the mean is as follows:
Mean = (Sum of all numbers) / (Number of numbers)
Example
Let's consider a series of numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
- Sum of the numbers: 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 10 = 30
- Number of numbers: 5
- Mean: 30 / 5 = 6
Therefore, the mean of the series 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 is 6.
Applications of the Mean
The mean is used in various fields, including:
- Statistics: To summarize data and make inferences.
- Finance: To calculate average returns on investments.
- Science: To analyze experimental results.
- Everyday life: To calculate average grades, expenses, or travel times.
Conclusion
The mean is a fundamental statistical measure that provides a simple and effective way to understand the central tendency of a dataset. The MEAN-the sum of a set of numbers divided by the number of items in the set, also referred to as the average.
