How to find the mean of a group of numbers

Find the mean using a calculator.

The mean is the average number that results from a group of numbers in a math equation. The mean is often found by dividing two numbers together to find the average number in the group. Find the mean in a group of numbers when completing a math assignment or counting items at home using your mind or a calculator. Teach friends and siblings how to find the mean in a group of numbers as well, as an enjoyable math activity at home.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Write down all of the numbers in the group or math problem on a sheet of paper using a pencil. You may write the numbers from smallest to largest, or out of order.

2. Count the numbers in the group and note the total amount of numbers that appear in the group on the sheet of paper. For example, if there are three numbers in the group, then write the number five as the total at the top of the page to prevent adding it into the group of numbers.

3. Add the group of numbers together by using your hands, or with the use of a calculator if the numbers are double digits or larger. Write the sum below or next to the list of numbers after adding the group together.

4. Divide the sum by the total amount of numbers in the group to find the mean. For example, if the sum of all the numbers together is nine, and there are a total of three numbers in the group, then you would divide nine by three. The result is a mean of three. Write the mean down on the sheet of paper on completion.

References

• Math is Fun: Mean
• Purple Math: Mean, Median, Mode and Range