Arithmetic Mean
Definitions and Meaning in English
- The sum of a set of numbers divided by the total count of numbers.
- A type of average used in mathematics and statistics to represent a central value.
- A measure of central tendency that gives an equal weight to all values in a data set.
History and Origin
The concept of the arithmetic mean has been used for centuries in mathematics and statistics. The term originates from the Greek arithmos (meaning “number”) and the Latin medianus (meaning “middle”). It became widely used in the 17th and 18th centuries when mathematical analysis and statistics were formalized.
Detailed Explanation
The arithmetic mean, commonly known as the average, is calculated by adding all values in a data set and dividing by the total number of values. It is widely used in statistics, finance, economics, and science to summarize data and make comparisons.
For example, if five students score 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 on a test, the arithmetic mean is: 80+85+90+95+1005=90\frac{80 + 85 + 90 + 95 + 100}{5} = 90
The arithmetic mean is useful when data points are evenly distributed. However, it can be influenced by extreme values (outliers), which may distort the true representation of the data.
Example Sentences
- The arithmetic mean of 10, 20, and 30 is 20.
- The teacher calculated the arithmetic mean of students’ scores to determine the class average.
- Economists use the arithmetic mean to analyze income distribution.
- The scientist found the arithmetic mean of the experimental results to ensure accuracy.
- The arithmetic mean of daily temperatures helps meteorologists track climate patterns.
- Investors use the arithmetic mean to compare stock performance over time.
- The company calculated the arithmetic mean of employee salaries to determine fair wages.
- In statistics, the arithmetic mean is one of the most commonly used measures of central tendency.
- The arithmetic mean of five consecutive numbers can be quickly determined using a simple formula.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Average – The most common way to summarize a set of numbers.
- Mean – A central value in a numerical dataset.
- Central value – A number that represents the middle tendency of a dataset.
- Mathematical mean – A precise way to measure the overall value of a set.
- Expected value – The theoretical average outcome in probability and statistics.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Median – The middle value in a sorted data set.
- Mode – The most frequently occurring value in a dataset.
- Weighted mean – An average where some values contribute more than others.
- Harmonic mean – A type of mean used in specific mathematical and financial calculations.
- Geometric mean – A type of mean used for proportional growth rates and percentages.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Summation – The process of adding all values in a dataset.
- Standard deviation – A measure of variation from the mean.
- Variance – The squared difference from the mean, used in statistics.
- Percentile – A value below which a certain percentage of data falls.
- Quartile – Divides a dataset into four equal parts.
Antonyms
- Outlier
- Extreme value
- Skewed distribution
- Mode (if single value is dominant)
- Raw data (before averaging)