Question

How can one determine the median of a data set?

oby ordering the data points and finding the middle value of the set
O by ordering the data points and finding the most common value in the set
O by finding the average of the different values in the set
O by finding the difference between the highest and lowest values of the set

Answer 1

To find the median, order the data and locate the middle value for an odd number of data points, or the average of the two middle values for an even number. The median is a reliable measure of the center, especially when the dataset contains outliers.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the median of a dataset, one must order the data points and find the middle value of the set. If there is an odd number of data values, the median is the exact middle value. However, if there is an even number of data values, the median is the average of the two middle values. Remember, the median is not affected by extreme values or outliers and is thus a reliable measure of the center when such outliers are present in the dataset.

For example, if we have the data set 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, the median is 7, as it is the middle number in the ordered list. If we have an even number of values, such as 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, the median would be the average of 7 and 9, giving us 8 as the median.

Answer 2

A

Step-by-step explanation:

The median value on a data set is the value that accumulates 50% of the values at its left and the other 50% at its right. In other words, it is the value that divides the data set in two halves. Lets see each option and find this value:

B: By doing it we are finding the mode, the value that is repeated most. This is incorrect!

C: By doing this we are finding the mean, the average or the arithmetic mean. This is incorrect!

D: This gives us the range, not the median. This is incorrect!

Finally, A is correct, as this is what we said at the beginning of the text. Ordering the values and finding the one the splits the data set in 2 equal parts is the median.