GRAPHS AND STATISTICS

Mean

Learn the reliable method for mean, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

The mean is the total of the values divided by how many values there are.

Picture itShare the total equally
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Add every value, including repeats.
  2. Count the values.
  3. Divide the total by the count.
mean = total ÷ number of values
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

Find the mean of 19, 17, 22, 26.

  1. Add all four values: 84.
  2. Divide by 4: 84 ÷ 4 = 21.
Answer: 21
Example 2

In six games, a player scores 8 points twice, 10 points twice and 12 points twice. What is the mean score?

  1. The total is 2 × 8 + 2 × 10 + 2 × 12 = 60.
  2. Divide by six games to get 10.
Answer: 10
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Divide the total by the count.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.