Measures of Central Tendency
Find a Middle Ground
The measures of central tendency- mean, median, and mode- are quite simply three different ways of looking at the way numbers behave towards the middle of a data set. Knowing the behavior at the center can help us to better understand data.
LEARN IT:
There are three measures of central tendency that you need to know for the GED: mean, median, and mode.
Mean: Also known as the average is the number you would get if all the data was shared equally. Simply total the data, then divide by the number of items in the data set*
Median: The median is the centermost number in an ordered data set*
Mode: The most commonly occurring item in a data set.
*See the GED formula sheet for more information
Watch the Virtual GED Class video and the supplementary videos below for a complete explanation and tons of worked example problems.
Understanding Mean, Median and Mode
Make a "cheat sheet" to help you remember mean, median, and mode.
PRACTICE IT:
BEGINNING
Isolate each skill before practicing a mix of straightforward mean, median, and mode problems.
EXPERIENCED
An assortment of mean, median, mode word problems that include rounding, charts and graphs.
Advanced
A mix of tricky mean, median, and mode problems requiring close reading, algebra, and conversion skills.
NEED MORE EXAMPLES?
Experienced 1 (Mean)
Experienced 2 (Mean)
Experienced 3 (Average)
Experienced 4 (Median)
Experienced 5 (Mode)
Looking for more challenging examples? Move on to the next lesson, "GED Style Mean, Median, Mode and Range" for a ton of GED style problems, tips, and tricks!
