Mean vs Median Statistics Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

medium
Test scores: 78, 82, 79, 81, 80. Calculate both the mean and median. What do you notice?

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: Mean = 78+82+79+81+805=4005=80\frac{78+82+79+81+80}{5} = \frac{400}{5} = 80.
  2. 2
    Step 2: Ordered: 78, 79, 80, 81, 82. Median = 80.
  3. 3
    Step 3: The mean and median are equal, which happens when data is symmetric with no outliers.

Answer

Mean = Median = 8080. They agree because the data is symmetric.
When data is roughly symmetric and has no outliers, the mean and median are approximately equal. Both are good measures of centre in this case.

About Mean vs Median

Mean and median are both measures of center but respond differently to extreme values (outliers). The mean is pulled toward outliers because it uses every value in its calculation, while the median is resistant to outliers because it depends only on the middle position.

Learn more about Mean vs Median →

More Mean vs Median Examples

Example 1 medium

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Example 3 medium

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Example 4 medium

A runner's practice times (in minutes) are 24, 25, 24, 26, 25, 24. Would the mean or the median bett

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