Changes

*The mode is the most common number.

*The mode is the most common number.

==An "analog computer" for the arithmetic mean==

==An "analog computer" for the average==

[[Image:Ruler.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Ruler.jpg|right]]

If equal weights are hung from a ruler, and the weight of the ruler itself is small enough to be neglected, the distance marking at which the ruler will balance can be shown to be the arithmetic mean of the distance markings at which the weights are hung. In this picture, the ruler balances when hung at the 7 inch mark; 7 is the arithmetic mean of 1, 9, and 11. This can be considered as an example of an "analog computer" for the arithmetic mean.

If equal weights are hung from a ruler, and the weight of the ruler itself is small enough to be neglected, the distance marking at which the ruler will balance can be shown to be the average of the distance markings at which the weights are hung.  

 

In this picture, weights are hung at the 1, 9, and 11 inch marks. The average of 1, 9, and 11 is 7. The ruler will balance if it his hung at the 7 inch mark. This can be considered as an example of an "analog computer" for the average.

[[category:Mathematics]]

[[category:Mathematics]]