the central (middle) piece of data when the data is in numerical order. A measure of central tendency representing the average of the values

Understanding the median

Maths

In this unit, pupils consider the mean, median and mode and evaluate their usefulness in a variety of contexts. In the sampling unit, pupils are given the opportunity to consider where the data came from and how it was collected and can therefore start to evaluate how good a representation the sample is of the whole population.

In this unit, pupils learnt how to calculate the mean and began to use the mean to make comparisons between two sets of data. Pupils also considered whether the mean was an appropriate way of representing the data 

In this unit pupils explore the concept of measures of central tendancy, developing understanding of different types of average and their relative benefits and drawbacks. We then investigate other summaries of data such as the range and data comparison techniques.

Numerical summaries of data

The median is the {{ }} piece of data when the data are in numerical order. It is a measure of central tendency representing the average of the values. 

Match the number of data points with the position of the median.

The median from this list: 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.8, 2.9 is {{ }}.

cat, dog, rabbit, dog, dog, cat, cat, hamster, fish

red, orange, yellow, blue, green, yellow, white, black, purple

Which of these data sets can you find the median for?

Yes - the middle number has been identified

Sam wants to calculate the median of this data set. Is Sam's working correct?

Data is presented in a dot plot. The median value is {{ }}.

Starting with the highest number, put the numbers in descending order.

{{ }} is exactly half way between 64 and 86.

Starting with the lowest number, put the numbers in ascending order.

A measure of {{ }} tendency is a summary measure that attempts to describe a whole set of data with a single value that represents the middle or centre of its distribution. 

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