Explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate
I can explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate representation of a set of data
Explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate
I can explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate representation of a set of data
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- If there is an outlier or value that does not fit with the set the mean average will not be appropriate.
- In some contexts, the mean average does not give a useful representation of a set of data,
Keywords
Mean average - The mean average is a single number expressing the typical value in a set of data. It is calculated by finding the total of the set of data and dividing by how many values there are.
Set of data - A set of data is collection of facts, such as numbers, words, measurements, observations or even just descriptions of things.
Outlier - An outlier is a value that lies outside. It is much smaller or larger than most of the other values in a set of data.
Common misconception
You need to look carefully at a set of data to make sure that the values are reasonable and that calculation of the mean average will give a value that is useful when describing the set and comparing.
Encourage pupils to look carefully at a set of data, identifying values that look unusual and thinking about the impact that they will have if the mean average is calculated. An outlying value in one set of data may be reasonable in another set.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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