Virginia SOL Math / Grade 6 / Probability & Statistics

6.PS.2

The Mean as a Balance Point

What you'll learn

  • Find the mean of a data set
  • Describe the mean as a balance point
  • Solve problems using the mean

Words to know

Mean —
the average, found by sharing the total equally
Balance point —
the value where a data set evens out
Data set —
a group of collected numbers
Sum —
the total of the values
Average —
another word for the mean

Why it matters The mean gives a single fair value that summarizes many numbers, like a typical test score or average temperature.

Worked examples

Model ItI do

Find the mean of 4, 6, and 8.

Add the values: 4 + 6 + 8 = 18. Then divide by how many there are: 18 divided by 3 = 6. The mean is 6.

Try It TogetherWe do

Find the mean of 10, 20, 30, and 40.

Add the values: 10 + 20 + 30 + 40 = 100. Divide by 4: 100 divided by 4 = 25. The mean is 25, the balance point of the data.

Now YouYou do

Find the mean of 3, 7, and 5.

Add the numbers, then divide by how many there are. Check your answer in the back of this chapter.

Practice

Mastered 0 of 11

Warm-up

Ease in with the basics.

  1. 1.Find the mean of 3, 5, and 7.

  2. 2.Find the mean of 10, 10, and 10.

  3. 3.Find the mean of 2, 4, 6, and 8.

On Level

The core Quick Check from the book.

  1. 1.Find the mean of 2, 4, and 6.

  2. 2.Find the mean of 5, 5, and 5.

  3. 3.Find the mean of 8, 12, and 16.

  4. 4.The total of 5 test scores is 400. What is the mean score?

  5. 5.Find the mean of 1, 2, 3, and 6.

Challenge

Stretch your thinking.

  1. 1.The mean of 4 numbers is 12. What is their total?

  2. 2.Three test scores are 80, 90, and 85. What score is needed on a fourth test to have a mean of 85?

  3. 3.Find the mean of 6, 11, 4, 9, and 5.