Finding the average of a set of numbers is a simple process that involves a few straightforward steps. The average, often referred to as the mean, is calculated by dividing the sum of all the numbers in the set by the count of those numbers.
Here are the steps to calculate the average:
- Step 1: Sum the Numbers – Begin by adding all the numbers in your set together. For example, if your set consists of the numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8, you would add them up like this: 2 + 4 + 6 + 8 = 20.
- Step 2: Count the Numbers – Next, count how many numbers are in your set. In our example, there are 4 numbers: 2, 4, 6, and 8.
- Step 3: Divide – Finally, divide the sum you calculated in Step 1 by the count from Step 2. Continuing with our example, you would divide 20 (the sum) by 4 (the count): 20 รท 4 = 5.
So, the average of the set of numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8 is 5. This method can be applied to any set of numbers, making it a versatile tool for various mathematical applications.