Understanding Average (Mean)
The average is a way to find the middle or typical value in a group of numbers. It tells us what the numbers would be if they were all the same.
Formula for average:
Average = (Sum of all numbers) ÷ (Number of numbers)
Average = (Sum of all numbers) ÷ (Number of numbers)
Step-by-Step Example
Example: Ali scored 10, 15, and 20 in three games. What is his average score?
Step 1: Add all the scores: 10 + 15 + 20 = 45
Step 2: Count how many scores: 3
Step 3: Divide sum by count: 45 ÷ 3 = 15
✅ The average score is 15.
Step 2: Count how many scores: 3
Step 3: Divide sum by count: 45 ÷ 3 = 15
✅ The average score is 15.
When Do We Use Average?
- Finding the typical score in exams or games
- Calculating average temperature
- Finding average speed in travel
Another Example (Average Speed)
Example: A car travels 60 km on Day 1, 80 km on Day 2, and 100 km on Day 3. Find the average distance per day.
Step 1: Add distances: 60 + 80 + 100 = 240
Step 2: Number of days: 3
Step 3: 240 ÷ 3 = 80
✅ The average distance per day is 80 km.
Step 2: Number of days: 3
Step 3: 240 ÷ 3 = 80
✅ The average distance per day is 80 km.
Practice Questions
- Find the average of 8, 12, 16.
8 + 12 + 16 = 36; 36 ÷ 3 = 12 → Average is 12.
- A student scored 50, 60, 70, and 80 in four subjects. Find the average score.
50 + 60 + 70 + 80 = 260; 260 ÷ 4 = 65 → Average is 65.
- The temperature on three days was 25°C, 28°C, and 29°C. Find the average temperature.
25 + 28 + 29 = 82; 82 ÷ 3 ≈ 27.33°C → Average is about 27.3°C.
Tip: Average is also called the mean. Don't confuse it with median or mode, which are different ways to describe data.
Mathematics: Zakat Questions in Mathematics