Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Central TendencyMeanMedian ModeRange
Mean:The mean is the mathematical average of a set of numbers.The mean is commonly referred to as the average.The mean is quick and easy to calculate.The mean is used in a variety of ways and in almost every industry.
Calculate the MeanWhat is the average age of our class?Ages: 11, 11, 13, 12, 12, 13, 12, 12, 12Mean = sum of ages/number of studentsAverage age = 12
MeanA real world example of the Mean is Par.Par is the average expected score in Golf.If a hole is a Par 4, then the average expected score is 4 strokes.
MeanCompanies use the mean age of their consumers to develop their advertising.Can you think of a commercial that was targeted towards you?
MeanCan you think of another example of how the Mean relates to the real world?
MedianThe median is the middle value of a set of data.Memorizing Tip: remember that the median is in the middle of the road.
MedianThe median is used in a variety of statistics.For example the median income in Alabama is $38,111 (U.S. Census Bureau).The median age in Montgomery, AL is 33.7 years old (U.S. Census Bureau).
MedianFind the median for the set of data.Data set: 2, 5, 6, 7, 1, 3, 0, 8, 4Place in order from least to greatest and find the middle number.0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8The median is equal to 4!
ModeThe mode is the most frequently observed value in a data set.The most frequently printed words in English are: the, of, and, a , and to (www.duboislc.org).
ModeThe most popular baby names in 2006 were Jacob, Emily, Michael, Emma, Joshua and Madison (Social Security Administration).
ModeFind the mode for this set of data.Data set: 2, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5, 5The mode is 4, because it occurs the most times.
RangeThe range is the difference between the largest and smallest values.Range of age: Oldest Youngest.Range of height: Tallest Shortest.Range of speed: Fastest Slowest.Can you think of a use for the range?
RangeThose below the age of 5, or older than 50 should get vaccinated for the flu (www.cdc.gov).What is the range of age for those who dont need to be vaccinated?50-5=45
ReferencesIncome. Retrieved April 25th, 2008, from http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/income04/statemhi.html. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Retrieved April 25th, 2008, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Popular Baby Names. Retrieved April 25th, 2008, from http://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames. The First 100 Most Commonly Used English Words. Retrieved April 25th, 2008, from http://www.duboislc.org/educationwatch/first100words.html.