AI generatedStatisticsKey Stage 3

Choosing an appropriate average

Choosing an appropriate average.

  • Organise the data before calculating.
  • Check counts and totals, and keep units or context in your conclusion.
  • Choose a typical-value measure and a spread measure that suit the data.

Example 1

The values are weekly earnings in pounds. Explain which average best describes a typical value.

MeanThe unusually large value pulls the mean upwards.
MedianThe median depends on position, so it is less affected by the extreme value.
RangeAn extreme value also makes the range larger.
The median, £12, better describes the typical earnings here.

Example 2

The values are weekly earnings in pounds. Explain which average best describes a typical value.

MeanThe unusually large value pulls the mean upwards.
MedianThe median depends on position, so it is less affected by the extreme value.
RangeAn extreme value also makes the range larger.
The median, £13, better describes the typical earnings here.

Your turn

Question 1

The values are weekly earnings in pounds. Explain which average best describes a typical value.

Check answer
MeanThe unusually large value pulls the mean upwards.
MedianThe median depends on position, so it is less affected by the extreme value.
RangeAn extreme value also makes the range larger.
The median, £14, better describes the typical earnings here.
Question 2

The values are weekly earnings in pounds. Explain which average best describes a typical value.

Check answer
MeanThe unusually large value pulls the mean upwards.
MedianThe median depends on position, so it is less affected by the extreme value.
RangeAn extreme value also makes the range larger.
The median, £15, better describes the typical earnings here.
Question 3

The values are weekly earnings in pounds. Explain which average best describes a typical value.

Check answer
MeanThe unusually large value pulls the mean upwards.
MedianThe median depends on position, so it is less affected by the extreme value.
RangeAn extreme value also makes the range larger.
The median, £16, better describes the typical earnings here.
Question 4

The values are weekly earnings in pounds. Explain which average best describes a typical value.

Check answer
MeanThe unusually large value pulls the mean upwards.
MedianThe median depends on position, so it is less affected by the extreme value.
RangeAn extreme value also makes the range larger.
The median, £17, better describes the typical earnings here.
Question 5

The values are weekly earnings in pounds. Explain which average best describes a typical value.

Check answer
MeanThe unusually large value pulls the mean upwards.
MedianThe median depends on position, so it is less affected by the extreme value.
RangeAn extreme value also makes the range larger.
The median, £18, better describes the typical earnings here.
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