Understanding Median in SAT Math

This video tutorial explains how to find the median age from a set of graduation ages of 10 students. It begins by ordering the ages from least to greatest and then identifies the median by averaging the two middle values, as the set has an even number of ages. The tutorial also discusses how the median might not be a value in the list if the two middle values differ and contrasts this with the scenario of an odd number of ages, where the median is a single middle value.

What is the first step in finding the median of a set of numbers?

• Add all the numbers together.

• Order the numbers from least to greatest.

• Find the average of the numbers.

• Select the largest number.

How many students graduated at the age of 17?

• Two

• Three

• Five

• Seven

If you have an even number of ages, how do you find the median?

• Average the two middle ages.

• Pick any age at random.

• Choose the largest age.

• Select the smallest age.

In the given example, what is the median age?

• 17

• 19

• 16

• 18

What happens if the two middle values in an even set are different?

• The median is the smaller value.

• The median is the larger value.

• The median is the average of the two values.

• The median is not possible to determine.

If there is an odd number of ages, how is the median determined?

• By picking the largest age.

• By averaging all the ages.

• By selecting the middle age.

• By choosing the smallest age.

Why might the median not be an age in the list?

• If all ages are the same.

• If the list is too short.

• If the ages are not ordered.

• If the two middle values are different.

What is a key characteristic of the median in an odd set of numbers?

• It is always the average of all numbers.

• It is always the largest number.

• It is always the smallest number.

• It is always one of the numbers in the list.