Changes

The '''mean''' is a term in [[statistics]].  The mean is the [[average]] value in a set of measurements. The mean is the sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers are in the set.

The '''mean''' is a term in [[statistics]].  The mean is a method of determining the central tendency, the [[average]], of a set of data, although being the most common method for doing this it is generally simply referred to as 'the average'. The mean is the sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers are in the set.

The mean of a group of numbers is one way to express their average.  To find the mean, the numbers are added and divided by the [[quantity]] of numbers in the group.  For example: to find the mean of 3, 4, 6, and 7, we add them together: <math>3 + 4 + 6 + 7 = 20</math>.  Then we divide them by the quantity of numbers in the group, which is 4.  <math>20/4 = 5</math>.

To find the mean, the numbers are added and divided by the [[quantity]] of numbers in the group.  For example: to find the mean of 3, 4, 6, and 7, we add them together: <math>3 + 4 + 6 + 7 = 20</math>.  Then we divide them by the quantity of numbers in the group, which is 4.  <math>20/4 = 5</math>.

Most [[spreadsheet]] programs and [[computer language]]s consider ''average'' to be the mean, but there are three common types of [[average]]. Often the [[median]] is far from the [[mean]], when values are skewed in one direction.

Most [[spreadsheet]] programs and [[computer language]]s consider ''average'' to be the mean, but there are three common types of [[average]]. Often the [[median]] is far from the [[mean]], when values are skewed in one direction.