To find the mean of a range of data, you first need to determine the data points within that range and then calculate the average of those points. Here's how:
1. Identify the Data Within the Range
- Define the range clearly. For example, are you looking at the range of test scores between 70 and 80, or a specific range of dates?
- Extract all the individual data points that fall within that defined range.
2. Sum the Data Points
- Add up all the individual values you identified in step 1. This sum represents the total value of the data within the range.
3. Count the Number of Data Points
- Count how many individual data points are within the specified range. This number represents the sample size within the range.
4. Calculate the Mean
- Divide the sum (from step 2) by the count (from step 3). The result is the mean (average) of the data within that range.
Formula:
Mean = (Sum of data points within the range) / (Number of data points within the range)
Example:
Let's say you have the following data set of test scores: 65, 72, 78, 81, 85, 90, 92. You want to find the mean of the scores within the range of 70 to 85 (inclusive).
- Data within the range: 72, 78, 81, 85
- Sum of data points: 72 + 78 + 81 + 85 = 316
- Number of data points: 4
- Mean: 316 / 4 = 79
Therefore, the mean of the test scores within the range of 70 to 85 is 79.
In summary, calculating the mean of a range involves identifying the data points within the specified range, summing those points, counting the number of points, and then dividing the sum by the count.
