Calculating and Understanding the Mean

The video tutorial explains the concept of the mean, often referred to as the average, and how it is calculated by summing all observed values and dividing by the number of observations. Using a practical example of rainfall data collected by Rose, the tutorial demonstrates the calculation of the mean and illustrates how it can be visually represented using a bar graph. The tutorial also explores the impact of outliers on the mean, showing how a significantly larger value can increase the mean. The lesson concludes with a summary of the key points covered.

What is the mean of a data set used to describe?

• The highest value in the data set

• The lowest value in the data set

• The range of the data set

• The center of the data set

How do you calculate the mean of a data set?

• Subtract the smallest value from the largest

• Find the middle value of the data set

• Multiply all values together

• Add all values and divide by the number of values

What was the average rainfall for the week in Rose's example?

• 3 inches

• 5 inches

• 2 inches

• 4 inches

How does a significantly larger value affect the mean?

• It increases the mean

• It makes the mean zero

• It has no effect on the mean

• It decreases the mean

In the example with an outlier, what was the new mean when 22 inches of rainfall was recorded?

• 6 inches

• 5 inches

• 4 inches

• 3 inches