To calculate the average (or “mean”) of a set of numbers, you need to add the numbers together and then divide by the number of values in the set.

 

For example:

The average of the set: 12, 10, 8 and 6 is 9.

If you add 12+10+8+6 you get 36. 36÷4 is 9.

We divide by four because there are four numbers in this set.

 

CURRICULUM LINK:

Having determined which
calculations are needed,
I can solve problems
involving whole numbers
using a range of methods,
sharing my approaches
and solutions with others.
MNU 2-03a

 

You may wish to find out more about:

Mean, Mode, Median, Range