Understanding Median, Mode, and Mean - Assessment - Answer Key
Name ________________________________________ Date __________
1. For any data set, which is greater, the median or mode?
It depends on the data set. Data with several identical low numbers may have a greater median. Data with several identical high numbers may have a greater mode.
2. Is the mode of a set always one of the numbers in a set?
The mode is always a number in a set, unless all of the numbers appear only once. Then there is no mode.
3. Is the median always one of the numbers in a set?
If the data set has an odd number of values, the middle number is the median. If the data set has an even number of values, then the median is the value halfway between the two middle numbers.
4. When adding numbers to find the mean, does it matter the order in which they are added?
No, addition is commutative; the data can be added in any order.
5. How does the mean change if you add a number to the data that is exactly equal to the mean? Explain.
It does not change. Possible explanation: If you add a number greater than the mean, the average is greater. Add one that is less, the mean is less. So, add the same number and the mean remains the same.
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