Median definitions
| Word backwards | naidem |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The word "median" can function as both an adjective and a noun. |
| Syllabic division | me-di-an |
| Plural | The plural of the word "median" is "medians." |
| Total letters | 6 |
| Vogais (3) | e,i,a |
| Consonants (3) | m,d,n |
What is a Median?
Median is a statistical measurement that represents the middle value of a dataset when arranged in ascending or descending order. It is a measure of central tendency that is less affected by extreme values, unlike the mean. The median splits the dataset into two equal halves, with half of the values falling below it and half above it.
Calculation of Median
The calculation of the median varies depending on the number of observations in the dataset. When the dataset has an odd number of observations, the median is simply the middle value. If the dataset has an even number of observations, the median is the average of the two middle values after arranging the dataset in order.
For example, in the dataset 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, the median would be 7, as it is the middle value.
Uses of Median
The median is a useful measure in statistics because it is less influenced by outliers or extreme values in the dataset. It provides a more accurate representation of the central value, especially in skewed distributions. The median is commonly used in income distribution, test scores, and housing prices to give a better understanding of the typical value in a dataset.
For instance, in a dataset of household incomes, the median income would represent the income level at which half of the households earn more, and half earn less.
Comparison with Mean
While the median represents the middle value, the mean is the average value obtained by dividing the sum of all values by the number of observations. The mean is more sensitive to extreme values, making it less suitable for skewed datasets. In such cases, the median provides a more reliable measure of central tendency.
Overall, the median is a valuable statistical measure that helps in understanding the central value of a dataset. Its robustness against outliers and skewed data makes it a preferred metric in various fields of study, providing a more accurate representation of typical values.
Median Examples
- The median age of the population is increasing due to longer life expectancy.
- To calculate the median income, you must first arrange the data in numerical order.
- The median house price in the area has gone up by 10% in the last year.
- In a set of numbers, the median is the middle value when the data is ordered.
- The median score on the test was 75, with half of the students scoring above and half below.
- When discussing income distribution, the median is often used instead of the mean.
- The median household size in the city is 3 people per home.
- In a list of temperatures, the median represents the middle value if the data is arranged in order.
- The median time for delivery of orders is 2-3 business days.
- To find the median of a set of numbers, you can cross off numbers from both ends until you reach the middle.