Math Example--Measures of Central Tendency--Weighted Mean--Example 3

Topic

Measures of Central Tendency

Description

This example demonstrates the calculation of a weighted mean for a data set containing negative and positive values: -5, 5, and 1, with weights of 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The weighted mean is computed using the formula: (4 * -5 + 5 * 5 + 6 * 1) / (4 + 5 + 6), resulting in a final answer of approximately 0.733.

Weighted mean is a vital concept in measures of central tendency, allowing for the consideration of the relative importance or frequency of each data point, even when dealing with both positive and negative values. This collection of examples helps teach this topic by providing varied scenarios and data sets, enabling students to practice and understand the application of the weighted mean formula in different contexts, including those with positive and negative numbers.

Exposure to multiple worked-out examples is essential for students to fully grasp the concept of weighted mean. By seeing the formula applied to diverse situations, including those with negative numbers, students can develop a deeper understanding of how weights affect the final average and how to interpret the results in real-world scenarios that may involve both positive and negative values.

Teacher's Script: Let's examine this example where we're calculating a weighted mean with both positive and negative numbers. How do you think the negative values affect our result? Can you think of a real-world situation where we might encounter both positive and negative values in a weighted mean calculation?

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