The Average

math worksheets

Definition of averages

The definition of an average can be defined by way which an average is calculated. The most common way to find an average is to add up a list of numbers and divide the sum by the number of items on the list.

Are mean and average the same?

No. Mean and average are not the same and should not be used interchangeably. It is true that in simple math problems, the mean is the same as the average. In another word, the average is the same as simple mean or arithmetical mean. The average is not the same as the other type of mean called geometric mean.

Example of how to find an average

Find the average number of the list of numbers below:

3, 4, 6, 8, 9

To find the average:

Step 1: Add the numbers up

3 + 4 + 6 + 8 + 9 = 30

Step 2: Divide the sum by the number of items.

There are 5 numbers above. So, 30 ÷ 5 = 6.

Answer of the math question: the average of 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9 is 6.

It doe not matter what the unit is the math calculation method for finding an average remains the same. Use the same method to find an average in length (meters, centimeters, yard, etc.), weight, volumn, temperature, and so on.

Click here for simple math worksheets of finding averages.

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