STEM Excellence Series: Empowering the Next Generation

AVERAGE

Average

Definition Of Average

Average is the number that is found by dividing the sum of data by the number of items in the data set. It is also called the �mean�.

Examples of Average

The average height of students in Mrs. Kelly's class is 142.5 cm. 
This average was found by adding the heights of all students in her class and then dividing that sum by the total number of students.

Video Examples: Math Help : How to Calculate an Average

Solved Example on Average

Ques: The list below shows Andy's scores on five math tests. Find his average score.
35, 45, 61, 59, 73

Choices:

A. 50
B. 59
C. 54.6
D. 68.25 
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: To find the average score, add all the scores and divide the sum by 5.
Step 2: Andy's average math score is 54.6.

Real-world Connections for Average:

Average is a number that is a good representative of a group of data.
In general, we find average of a group of numbers, like average rainfall in a city over a period of time, average points scored by a basketball team in number of games, average batting score of a baseball player, etc.
But also remember that average or mean can always not be a good representative of a data set. Sometimes they don't work. 

 

Quick Summary

  • Average is calculated by summing all values.
  • The sum is then divided by the count of values.
  • It represents a typical value in a dataset.
\[ \text{Average} = \frac{\text{Sum of values}}{\text{Number of values}} \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use real-world examples to illustrate the concept of average, such as calculating the average test score or the average height of students in the class. Emphasize the importance of accuracy in addition and division.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Addition
  • Division

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the average of 2, 4, and 6?

Q2: John scored 70, 80, and 90 on three tests. What is his average score?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I have zero values in my set?
A: You should not calculate the average if you have no values. The average is undefined in this case.

Q: Can the average be a decimal?
A: Yes, the average can be a decimal, even if all the values in the set are whole numbers.

© 2026 iCoachMath Global Math Glossary. All Rights Reserved.