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The average, also known as the arithmetic mean, is a measure of central tendency that represents the typical value in a set of numbers. It is calculated by summing all values and dividing by the count of values.
The calculator uses the average formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the central value of a dataset by distributing the total sum equally among all data points.
Details: Average is fundamental in statistics and data analysis. It provides a quick understanding of the central tendency of data and is used in various fields including education, finance, science, and business for decision-making and analysis.
Tips: Enter numerical values separated by commas. The calculator will automatically filter out non-numeric values and calculate the average of valid numbers. Ensure values are in the same units for meaningful results.
Q1: What is the difference between average and median?
A: Average is the sum divided by count, while median is the middle value when data is sorted. Average is affected by outliers, while median is more robust to extreme values.
Q2: When should I use average vs other measures of central tendency?
A: Use average for normally distributed data without extreme outliers. Use median when data has outliers or is skewed. Use mode for categorical data.
Q3: Can I calculate average with negative numbers?
A: Yes, the average formula works with both positive and negative numbers. The result will reflect the central tendency of all values.
Q4: What if my dataset has zero values?
A: Zero values are included in the calculation and will lower the average, which is mathematically correct as they represent valid data points.
Q5: How many decimal places should I use for average?
A: Round to 2 decimal places for most practical applications, but maintain more precision for scientific calculations where accuracy is critical.