Mean and median tell different stories

UNDERSTAND · PRACTISE · REVIEW

The mean shares the total equally across all observations. The median is the middle of ordered observations. Always sort values before finding the median and notice extreme values.

A worked example

Try this learning routine

1. Read the explanation and say the idea in your own words.
2. Cover the worked answer and attempt a similar question.
3. Check each step, including units or word meaning.
4. Record one mistake and retry a new example later.

Independent practice

Choose one answer for each question and write a reason. These are foundation activities, not a complete board examination.

1. Find the mean of 3, 5, 7, 9.

   • 5
   • 6
   • 7
   • 4

2. Find the mean of 4, 6, 8, 10.

   • 6
   • 7
   • 8
   • 5

3. Find the mean of 5, 7, 9, 11.

   • 7
   • 8
   • 9
   • 6

4. Find the mean of 6, 8, 10, 12.

   • 7
   • 10
   • 8
   • 9

5. Find the mean of 7, 9, 11, 13.

   • 11
   • 9
   • 10
   • 8

6. Find the mean of 8, 10, 12, 14.

   • 12
   • 10
   • 9
   • 11

Your next step

Use the same idea in a fresh example. Bring the method and your questions to a discussion with TRICEF, rather than relying on a score alone.

Original TRICEF Academy practice material. Not an official board paper. Open the answer section before printing if you want the answer key included.