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Mean
Definition of Mean

• Mean of a set of numbers is the sum of the numbers divided by the number of items in the list. Mean of a set of n numbers a₁, a₂, a₃, ..., a_n is given by .

More about Mean

• Mean can also be called as average or arithmetic mean.

Example of Mean

• In order to find the mean of 4, 5, 6, 3, and 7, first we have to add the numbers and then divide the sum by the number of items.
  4 + 5 + 6 + 3 + 7 = 25 i.e. the sum of the numbers is 25.
  Mean = = = = 5
  So, the mean of the data set 4, 5, 6, 3, and 7 is 5.

Solved Example on Mean

Find the mean weight of the data set shown.
5 lb, 48 lb, 31 lb, 31 lb, 41 lb, 20 lb, 19 lb, 5 lb
Choices:
A. 27 lb
B. 25 lb
C. 26 lb
D. 24 lb
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Step 1: Mean weight =
Step 2: Sum of the weights = 5 + 48 + 31 + 31 + 41 + 20 + 19 + 5
Step 3: = 200 lb [Add the weights.]
Step 4: Number of weights listed = 8
Step 5: Mean weight = = 25 lb [Substitute and simplify.]
Step 6: So, the mean weight of the data set is 25 lb.

Related Terms for Mean

• Add
• Arithmetic
• Average
• Divide
• Number
• Sum
• Value

Additional Links for Mean

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