median

This is the middle number or value in a set of numbers or quantities which have been placed in ascending order.

Let’s use these numbers as an example:

    6, 45, 15, 5, 14

To begin with, they have to be placed in ascending order:

    5, 6, 14, 15, 45.

14 is the middle number, therefore 14 is the median.

If there are two middle numbers – which happens when there is an even number of data in a set – we have to calculate a value halfway between both numbers.

Let’s use these numbers as an example:

    7, 14, 6, 5, 45, 8

Once again, they have to be placed in ascending order:

    5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 45.

There isn’t a middle value here, therefore the value which is halfway between both middle numbers must be calculated.

Therefore, 7 + 8 = 15

      \dfrac{15}{2}=7.5

7.5 is the middle number, therefore 7.5 is the median.