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Averages Exercise One
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Averages

The term "average" covers three distinct types:
Mean: The total of all figures in a group divided by the total number of components in the group.
Median: The midpoint in a grouping of the components.
Mode: The component appearing most frequently in a listing of the components.

Example:
     Scores of a test of 30 questions given to 15 students.
Number of correct answers:
1.3
2.6
3.7
4.7
5.10 \
6.10  | --› Mode
7.10 /
8.17 ----› Median
9.18
10.18
11.19
12.19
13.20
14.20
15.26

The median, here 17, is considered the most meaningful or representative.

The mean in this example is 210 ÷ 15 = 14

The mode (the component appearing most frequently in a listing of components) is 10.

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Charlie Riedel, The Hays Daily News

You have received the following data on pass receptions by Herbert East, who holds the Mallory College record for total yardage at 600 yards for the past season. Your editor wants you to indicate in your lead his "average catch for the season."

Here are the figures for his 21 catches:

Yards

No. of Catches

96

2

88

1

60

1

30

1

28

2

22

3

20

1

18

2

12

2

9

1

8

1

6

1

4

1

1

1

0

1

1
East's average (mean) catch is (a) 22 (b) 24.6 (c) 28.6 (d) Do not know yards.
A)22
B)24.6
C)28.6
D)Do not know
2
East's average (mode) catch is (a) 28 (b) 22 (c) 20 (d) Do not know yards.
A)28
B)22
C)20
D)Do not know
3
East's average (median) catch is (a) 28 (b) 22 (c) 20 (d) Do not know yards.
A)28
B)22
C)20
D)Do not know





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