Idea 6of 22Builds onThe median: the middle value in order
An even count has a middle pair
What is the middle when there are four values?
Today you'll discover
- what happens with an even count
- why the median can be a new number
Think firstKilometres walked: 8, 2, 6, 4
With four values, what is the median?
Decide first, then press Next. Count how many boxes are left in the middle.
A row of four boxes, 8, 2, 6, 4, slides into order: 2, 4, 6, 8. Slashes cross off 2 and 8, leaving 4 and 6 ringed. A short number line from 4 to 6 marks 5 halfway, labelled median 5. The last step shows points in six games.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
With an even count, the median is halfway between the two middle values.
Odd or evenFive values: one is left in the middle. Four values: two are left, and the median is halfway between them.
Easy to get wrongDon't just pick one of the middle pair. Both share the middle, so the median sits halfway between them.
Key word
- middle pair
- the two values left in the middle of an even count once the values are in order
Ready to use it?
- Find the median of an even number of values.