Measurement and Data

Averages

Find the average of a small set of numbers by sharing the total out equally.

An average answers the question: if everyone had the same, how much would each one have? You pour all the amounts together into one pile, then share that pile out equally.

The rule

Add all the numbers up, then divide by how many numbers there were. Both halves matter — forgetting to count how many numbers you had is the commonest slip there is.

Worked example

Three boxes hold 4, 6 and 8 marbles. What is the average?

  1. Add them: 4 + 6 + 8 = 18.

    This is the whole pile, before it is shared out again.

Try it together

Let us find the average of 7, 9, 11 and 13 together.

Add first, then share out. Count carefully how many numbers there are.

    1.Add all four numbers together. What is the total?

    Have a go

    Have a go on your own: find the average of 6, 8 and 10.

    Ready to practice?

    Eight questions on what you have just read. Nothing is timed, and you can play as many times as you like.

    Print a worksheet