Find the Mean Only

Find the mean

The mean is the average of a list of numbers. To find it, add all the values, then divide by how many values there are.

Method

1. Add the numbers carefully. Include every value in the set.

2. Count how many numbers there are. The count is the divisor.

3. Divide the total by the count.

   [ \text{mean} = \frac{\text{sum of values}}{\text{number of values}} ]

4. Simplify the result if needed. Write the final answer in simplest form.

Check your work

• Recompute the sum if the answer looks unusual.
• Make sure you divided by the correct number of values.
• If the mean is a fraction or decimal, confirm it matches the total when multiplied by the count.

Example pattern

If the values are 4, 7, and 9:

• Sum: 4 + 7 + 9 = 20
• Count: 3
• Mean: 20 ÷ 3 = 20/3

When solving these exercises, focus on accuracy with arithmetic and then simplify the final result.