What is the Mean of a Data Set?

Note:

When you think of the mean of a data set, think of the word average. 'Mean' and 'average' are the same thing when you're talking about a set of data! This tutorial introduces you to mean and shows you how to find it!

Keywords:

definition
mean
data set
central tendency
middle
average

Background Tutorials

Find and position integers and other rational numbers on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram; find and position pairs of integers and other rational numbers on a coordinate plane.
- How Do You Graph a Set on a Number Line?
  
  Number lines are great ways to represent a group of numbers, and in this tutorial you'll see how to graph a group of numbers on a number line
Evaluate expressions at specific values of their variables. Include expressions that arise from formulas used in real-world problems. Perform arithmetic operations, including those involving whole-number exponents, in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).
- What is a Variable?
  
  You can't do algebra without working with variables, but variables can be confusing. If you've ever wondered what variables are, then this tutorial is for you!
Giving quantitative measures of center (median and/or mean) and variability (interquartile range and/or mean absolute deviation), as well as describing any overall pattern and any striking deviations from the overall pattern with reference to the context in which the data were gathered.
- What is the Median of a Data Set?
  
  The median is one of many measures of central tendency. Check out this tutorial to learn what the median is and how you can find it!
- How Do You Find an Average?
  
  What is the average temperature outside today? What is the average amount of time it takes you to do your homework? What is the average price for a gallon of gas? To figure out how to find the average to just about anything, check out this tutorial about averages!