Arithmetic Mean

Published Jul 31, 2023

Definition of Arithmetic Mean

The arithmetic mean is the average of a group of numbers, calculated by dividing the sum of those numbers by the total count of the group. It is one of the most commonly used measures of central tendency in statistics and represents the midpoint of a set of numbers.

Example

To understand arithmetic mean better, let’s consider an example. Assume we have a group of five friends, and we want to calculate their average weight. The weight of each friend is as follows: 75 kg, 85 kg, 68 kg, 72 kg, and 90 kg. To calculate the arithmetic mean, we sum up the weight of all five friends and divide it by the total number of friends, which is five. So, the arithmetic mean weight of the five friends is (75+85+68+72+90)/5 = 78 kg.

Similarly, the arithmetic mean can be calculated for a set of exam scores, salaries, or any other variable that takes numerical values.

Why Arithmetic Mean Matters

The arithmetic mean is an essential statistical tool that helps to summarize a set of observations in a single number. It allows us to compare the central tendency of different groups and make meaningful inferences about data. For instance, by comparing the arithmetic mean of the salaries of two different groups, we can determine which group has a higher average pay. This information can provide valuable insights for businesses, governments, and other organizations, enabling them to make informed decisions about policies and strategies.