Find the median of 2,3,7,3,4,5,8,9,9,4,5,3,4,2,4 and 5

Analyze the question: We need the median of 16 numbers. The median is the middle value once the data is arranged in order.

Concept: Arrange the data in ascending order. If n is even, the median is the average of the (n/2)th and (n/2 + 1)th values.

Solution:

Data: 2, 3, 7, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 9, 4, 5, 3, 4, 2, 4, 5

Count: 16 numbers.

Arranged in order:

• 2, 2 (two 2s)
• 3, 3, 3 (three 3s)
• 4, 4, 4, 4 (four 4s)
• 5, 5, 5 (three 5s)
• 7
• 8
• 9, 9

Ordered list: 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 7, 8, 9, 9

Total check: 2+3+4+3+1+1+2 = 16 ✓

Since n = 16, the median is the average of the 8th and 9th values.

• 8th value = 4
• 9th value = 4

Median = (4 + 4) / 2 = 4

Tip: Always count your data first and sort it carefully. Tally how many times each value appears so you don't miss any. With an even number of values, average the two middle ones. If they are the same, that is your median right away.