Mean

What is the mean?

The mean, also known as the average, is considered the most useful measure of central tendency and requires a simple calculation. All values are added together then divided by the number of values.

Calculating the mean

The data below shows average temperatures for Manchester, England.

Exam question: Calculate the mean monthly temperature in Manchester. Round your answer to 1dp.

To calculate the mean average temperature for the year we need to add all the temperatures together then divide by 12 (as there are twelve months).

The answer is 10.49°C which should then be rounded up to 10.5°C.

Notice the unit of measure, °C, has been included. You need to remember to include units of measure in your answer. Don’t make the examiner grumpy and reduce the marks they give you.