The mean average is a single number expressing the typical value in a set of data. It is calculated by finding the total of the set of data and dividing by how many values there are.

A set of data is collection of facts, such as numbers, words, measurements, observations or even just descriptions of things.

Explain how to use the mean to make comparisons between two sets of data

Maths

In this unit pupils will learn how to calculate the mean of a set of data and use the mean to make comparisons between two sets of information. In the future unit pupils will calculate and compare the mean, median and mode of a set of data.

In the prior unit pupils interpreted and constructed pie charts and line graphs and used these to solve problems. They read scales and made links to fractions, angles, percentages and understanding proportional relationships. In this unit pupils will learn how to calculate the mean of a set of data and use the mean to make comparisons between two sets of information.

Mean average

During hockey, more goals are typically scored. 

We don’t know how many games each team has played. 

Lucas says that the hockey team are the most successful as they have won more matches. Why can we not tell if this is true? 

Lucas and Laura compare the data of the Oak hockey and netball team. They have played an equal amount of matches. Which team is most successful?

Look at the graph. What is the mean average amount of goals scored by the hockey team during each match? 

 Laura compares the Oak hockey team to Willow hockey team. Oak  played 9 games and scored a total of 81 goals. Willow played 10 games and scored 84 goals. Which school team is more successful? 

The score for match 4 for the netball team was wrong and has been removed from the graph. The mean average goals scored is 5   What must the missing value be for goals scored?

Calculate the mean average difference in the goals scored and goals against for the Oak football team. The mean average is {{ }}

What is the mean average number of cards using the following data. Jun: 9; Sam: 12; Alex: 11; Jacob: 0 

Four children are playing a card game. What total number of cards could the children have so that the mean average would be a whole number? 

The table shows the number of cards each child currently has, the current total and mean average. Work out the mean average if Laura loses 4 of her cards. 

The table shows the number of cards each child currently has, the current total and mean average. Work out the mean average if the teacher gives the children 8 extra cards. 

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Explain how to use the mean to make comparisons between two sets of data

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.