Math Example--Measures of Central Tendency--Median: Example 19

Topic

Measures of Central Tendency

Description

This example illustrates the process of finding the median for the set of numbers: 4, 12, 13, 35, 6, 16, 14, 27, 34, 30, 17, 17, 27, 44. The solution involves arranging the numbers from least to greatest and then identifying the middle value. With an even number of terms, the median is calculated as the average of the two middle terms, resulting in a median of 17.

Understanding the median is crucial in statistics as it provides a measure of central tendency that is not influenced by extreme values. This collection of examples helps teach the concept by presenting various scenarios, allowing students to practice the step-by-step process of finding the median for different datasets, including those with even numbers of values and repeated numbers.

Multiple worked-out examples are vital for students to fully comprehend the concept of median. By encountering diverse datasets, including those with even and odd numbers of values, repeated values, or widely spread numbers, students can reinforce their understanding of the procedure and develop the ability to apply it in various situations. This approach helps students recognize patterns and nuances in median calculation, enhancing their overall statistical literacy.

Teacher Script: "Now, let's examine this set of numbers. Notice that we have an even number of values, and some numbers are repeated. Remember, our first step is always to arrange the numbers from least to greatest. Once we've done that, we need to find the two middle numbers since we have an even number of terms. The median will be the average of these two middle numbers. This example shows how we handle finding the median when we have an even number of values, and it demonstrates that repeated values don't change our process - we still treat each number as a separate value when ordering our list."

For a complete collection of math examples related to Measures of Central Tendency click on this link: Math Examples: Measures of Central Tendency: Median Collection.