Work out the median of these numbers: 4, 6, 1, 8, 6, 8
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to calculate the median of a given set of numbers: 4, 6, 1, 8, 6, 8. To find the median, we first need to arrange the numbers in ascending order and then identify the middle value.
Answer
The median is $6$.
Answer for screen readers
The median of the given numbers is $6$.
Steps to Solve
- Arrange the Numbers in Ascending Order
Begin by sorting the numbers from smallest to largest. The given numbers are: 4, 6, 1, 8, 6, 8.
When arranged in ascending order, they become: 1, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8.
- Count the Total Numbers
Next, count the total number of values. Here we have: 1, 4, 6, 6, 8, 8 (total of 6 numbers).
- Determine the Median Position
Since there is an even number of values (6), the median will be the average of the two middle numbers. The two middle positions are the 3rd and 4th values.
- Identify the Middle Values
The 3rd and 4th values in our sorted list are both 6:
- 3rd value: 6
- 4th value: 6
- Calculate the Median
To find the median, take the average of the 3rd and 4th values: $$ \text{Median} = \frac{6 + 6}{2} = \frac{12}{2} = 6 $$
The median of the given numbers is $6$.
More Information
The median is a measure of central tendency that represents the middle value of a data set. When the data set has an even number of observations, the median is calculated by averaging the two middle numbers.
Tips
- Failing to arrange the numbers in ascending order before finding the median.
- Misidentifying the middle values when dealing with an even number of entries.
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