Calculating Averages and Sums

Jimmy Chang explains how to calculate the average of positive and negative numbers. The process involves adding all numbers together and dividing by the total count. An example with numbers -3, -4, 1, and 2 is provided, demonstrating the calculation step-by-step. The average is found to be -1, illustrating the consistent pattern of averaging numbers regardless of their sign.

What is the first step in calculating the average of a set of numbers?

• Divide the largest number by the smallest

• Subtract the smallest number from the largest

• Add all the numbers together

• Multiply all the numbers together

How do you determine the number to divide by when calculating an average?

• The sum of the numbers

• The number of values in the set

• The largest number in the set

• The smallest number in the set

What is the consistent pattern for calculating averages?

• Subtract the smallest from the largest and divide by the count

• Multiply the numbers and divide by the count

• Add the numbers and multiply by the count

• Add the numbers and divide by the count

Why is it important to know the number of values in a set when calculating an average?

• To find the largest number

• To determine the sum of the numbers

• To know what to divide the sum by

• To know how many times to multiply the numbers

In the example given, what is the sum of the numbers -3, -4, 1, and 2?

• -7

• 0

• -4

• 3

What is the sum of -3 and -4?

• -1

• 1

• 0

• -7

What is the sum of 1 and 2?

• 3

• 1

• 2

• 4

What is the result of adding -7 and 3?

• -10

• 1

• 0

• -4

What is the average of the numbers -3, -4, 1, and 2?

• 1

• 0

• -1

• -2

What is the result of dividing -4 by 4 in the example?

• -2

• 0

• -1

• 1