Math Example--Measures of Central Tendency--Median: Example 6

Topic

Measures of Central Tendency

Description

This example illustrates the process of finding the median for the set of numbers: 15, 24, -6, -16, 50, 12, -50, 43, 35. The solution involves arranging the numbers from least to greatest and then identifying the middle value. With an odd number of terms, the median is simply the middle number after sorting, which in this case is 15.

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 positive and negative 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, positive and negative numbers, and widely spread values, 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 interesting set of numbers that includes both positive and negative values, with quite a range between the smallest and largest numbers. Remember, our first step is always to arrange the numbers from least to greatest. Be careful with those negative numbers - they'll come first in our ordered list. Once we've sorted our numbers, finding the median is straightforward since we have an odd number of terms. It's simply the middle number in our ordered list. This example shows how the median can give us a sense of the middle of our data, even when we have numbers spread out over a wide range and on both sides of zero."

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.