What is the difference between mean and median?

The mean shares the total out equally, while the median is simply the middle value once the list is sorted. They often agree, but one extreme number drags the mean and barely moves the median. For 2, 3, 4, 5 and 36, the mean is 10, yet the median is 4, which describes most of the list far better.

How do you find the median with an even number of values?

With an even number of values, the median is halfway between the two middle ones. Sort 3, 9, 4, 12 into 3, 4, 9, 12, then take the two middle values, 4 and 9. Halfway between them is 6.5, so that is the median. The median level here always uses five numbers, so there is always a single middle value.

What is an easy way to remember mean, median and mode?

An easy way is to link each word to the one job it asks of you. The mode asks you to count, the median asks you to sort, and the mean asks you to add everything and divide. The range is the odd one out: it ignores every value except the biggest and the smallest, and takes one from the other.

Why does my child get a mean that is too big?

A mean that is too big usually means the total was never divided, or was divided by the wrong count. One quick check catches it, because a mean can never be bigger than the biggest value in the list. For 4, 9 and 11, the total is 24, which cannot be the mean, while 24 ÷ 3 = 8 fits.

Is the stats game free for schools, and how does it fit a lesson on data?

Schools pay nothing for it: all five levels open in a browser on school tablets or laptops, and pupils need no account. For averages practice, collect real class data, such as the number of letters in each pupil’s first name, and write the list on the board. Groups find its mean, median, mode and range, then compare answers. The schools plan, priced per student, shows the teacher who is improving.

Math practice · reimagined

Statistics Game

In this statistics battle, each list of 3 to 7 numbers comes down to one number: its mean, median, mode or range, and some means end in .5. Your rival reads the same list, so the first to pin that number down throws the punch.

Ages 4–99+ · no download · plays in your browser · 23 languages

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What are mean, median, mode and range?

Mean, median, mode and range are four ways to describe a list of numbers with one value. Think of the shells five friends found. The mean is each friend’s share after an equal split. Line the counts up in order: the median is the middle one, the mode is the most common, and the range is most minus fewest.

Every level of Stats

Example: the median of 16, 24, 2, 5, 3

The list is not in order yet, so the 2 sitting in the middle spot is not the median.
Sort the five numbers from smallest to biggest: 2, 3, 5, 16, 24.
Now find the number with two values on each side of it, which is 5.
The median is 5, so you type 5 on the keypad.

Learn it step by step

The mean is the everyday "average" — it's what each one would be if you shared everything out equally.

For 4, 8, 6: add them (4 + 8 + 6 = 18), then divide by how many there are (3) → 6. Total up the list, divide by the count.

Type the average.

Tips and common mistakes

To find a median, sort the list, then cross off the smallest and the biggest, again and again. The last number left standing is the median.
A common slip with the mode is typing how often a number appears. In 4, 7, 4, 4, 9, the 4 appears three times, so the mode is 4.
Roll a die seven times and write down each result. Ask for the median and the range, then roll twice more and see whether either one changes.

How to play

Each round of this mean, median and mode game shows a job and a list, such as Median of 28, 2, 18, 11, 23, and you key in one number: 18. The decimal mean level adds the point key for answers like 5.5. Type it first and Carrot attacks, and a quick answer turns into a heavier blow.

— Quick answers —

Stats: the short FAQ

What is the difference between mean and median?: The mean shares the total out equally, while the median is simply the middle value once the list is sorted. They often agree, but one extreme number drags the mean and barely moves the median. For 2, 3, 4, 5 and 36, the mean is 10, yet the median is 4, which describes most of the list far better.
How do you find the median with an even number of values?: With an even number of values, the median is halfway between the two middle ones. Sort 3, 9, 4, 12 into 3, 4, 9, 12, then take the two middle values, 4 and 9. Halfway between them is 6.5, so that is the median. The median level here always uses five numbers, so there is always a single middle value.
What is an easy way to remember mean, median and mode?: An easy way is to link each word to the one job it asks of you. The mode asks you to count, the median asks you to sort, and the mean asks you to add everything and divide. The range is the odd one out: it ignores every value except the biggest and the smallest, and takes one from the other.
Why does my child get a mean that is too big?: A mean that is too big usually means the total was never divided, or was divided by the wrong count. One quick check catches it, because a mean can never be bigger than the biggest value in the list. For 4, 9 and 11, the total is 24, which cannot be the mean, while 24 ÷ 3 = 8 fits.
Is the stats game free for schools, and how does it fit a lesson on data?: Schools pay nothing for it: all five levels open in a browser on school tablets or laptops, and pupils need no account. For averages practice, collect real class data, such as the number of letters in each pupil’s first name, and write the list on the board. Groups find its mean, median, mode and range, then compare answers. The schools plan, priced per student, shows the teacher who is improving.

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