MASTERING THE MEDIAN
From the basics to word problems. Read the lesson carefully, then take the 5-item quiz at the bottom!
The MEDIAN is the middle number when a set of numbers is arranged in order (from lowest to highest). It tells you the exact center of your data.
If there are two middle numbers (because the count is even), you just add them together and divide by 2 to get the median.
Important: Always arrange the numbers from lowest to highest FIRST before finding the middle!
ARRANGE
Order numbers from lowest to highest
FIND MIDDLE
Pick the middle number (or average the two middles)
Numbers: 3, 7, 1, 9, 5
Step 1 (Arrange): 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
Step 2 (Middle): The 3rd number is 5
So the MEDIAN is 5!
Numbers: 4, 8, 2, 10
Step 1 (Arrange): 2, 4, 8, 10
Step 2 (Two middles): (4 + 8) ÷ 2 = 6
So the MEDIAN is 6!
Scenario: 5 students took a math test. Their scores were 85, 92, 78, 88, and 95. What is the median score?
1. Arrange the scores from lowest to highest: 78, 85, 88, 92, 95.
2. Since there are 5 scores (odd), find the exact middle.
3. The middle number (3rd number) is 88.
The median score is 88.
Scenario: The median of 5 numbers is 20. If four of the numbers are 12, 15, 25, and 30, what is the missing number?
1. Arrange the known numbers: 12, 15, ___, 25, 30.
2. Since the median is 20, the middle blank must be 20.
Let's check: 12, 15, 20, 25, 30. The middle is indeed 20!
The missing number is 20.
Quiz Time!
Read each question carefully. You need to answer all questions before submitting. Good luck!
Mathemalupit | Interactive Math Review & Quiz