Averages provide a way to compare a range of values, or to show how one value relates to a group of values. Averages are often used to show trends in statistics. The average is also referred to as the mean. An integer is any positive or negative whole number, as well as zero. Numbers that are decimals, or that are written as or include fractions, are not integers. To find the average of a list of integers, you follow a simple process.
- Pencil
- Paper
Add your list of integers, using simple addition or a calculator. As an example, we will find the average of the integers 4, 5, 7, 2 and 6.
4 + 5 + 7 + 2 + 6 = 24
Count the number of integers in your list. In our example, there are five integers.
Divide the sum of the integers by the number of integers. In our example, the sum of the integers is 24, and there are five integers total, so this is the formula:
24 / 5 = 4.8.
For the set of integers 4, 5, 7, 2 and 6, the average is 4.8.
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About the Author
Emily Humphreys graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She began her career in a laboratory, performing scientific research and experiments, and has been involved in research projects dealing with aging, infectious diseases and eye development.
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