How to Calculate Averages Using Decimals
When you think of the average of numbers, you probably want to know the "mean" of the numbers. Mathematicians call the average of a set of numbers the "arithmetic mean." Additional kinds of average include "median" and "mode." To figure the mean of numbers, utilize simple addition and division processes. The process of averaging decimal numbers is no more difficult than averaging whole numbers.
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Instructions
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Write the decimal numbers you wish to add in a vertical addition problem, aligning the decimal points of each number carefully. For example, write 1.45 + 1.67 + 1.29 + 1.03 + 2.01, writing each number immediately beneath the preceding number and making all the decimal points line up vertically.
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Add the decimal numbers together on the paper. Using the same example, adding the five decimal numbers together equals 7.45.
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Divide the decimal total by the number of units you added together. Using the same example, divide 7.45 / 5 = 1.49. This means that 1.49 is the mean average of 1.45, 1.67, 1.29, 1.03 and 2.01.
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Check your figures for accuracy by repeating the calculations a second time.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a calculator instead of paper and pencil, if you desire.
Write the decimal numbers in order from least to greatest to determine the median. Find the middle number of the group of numbers to find the median. Using the same example, write 1.03, 1.29, 1.45, 1.67 and 2.01. Because there are an odd number of decimals, the middle number -- 1.45 -- is the median value. To determine median with an even number of decimals, place them in order from least to greatest. For example, write 1.03, 1.29, 1.45, 1.67, 2.01 and 2.15. The decimals 1.45 and 1.67 share the midpoint of the numbers. Find the midpoint between 1.45 and 1.67 to find the median of this group of decimals -- 1.66 is the median.
Unless a decimal number repeats in the set, you cannot find the mode.
References
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