Explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate
I can explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate representation of a set of data
Explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate
I can explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate representation of a set of data
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- If there is an outlier or value that does not fit with the set the mean average will not be appropriate.
- In some contexts, the mean average does not give a useful representation of a set of data,
Keywords
Mean average - 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.
Set of data - A set of data is collection of facts, such as numbers, words, measurements, observations or even just descriptions of things.
Outlier - An outlier is a value that lies outside. It is much smaller or larger than most of the other values in a set of data.
Common misconception
You need to look carefully at a set of data to make sure that the values are reasonable and that calculation of the mean average will give a value that is useful when describing the set and comparing.
Encourage pupils to look carefully at a set of data, identifying values that look unusual and thinking about the impact that they will have if the mean average is calculated. An outlying value in one set of data may be reasonable in another set.
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 maths lesson on: Explain why the mean is useful and when it is not appropriate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 2 maths lessons from the Mean average unit, dive into the full secondary maths curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions

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Exit quiz
6 Questions


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