Finding the Median
The median is the middle value in a set of numbers, when the set is in ascending or descending order.
To find the median, then, first put the members of the set in order from least to greatest (or from greatest to least).
As an example, consider this set: (1, 5, 7, 2, 4). Placed in order from least to greatest, this is 1, 2, 4, 5, 7. The median is 4, because there are two values on either side of it.
If the set has an even number of values, there will be two "middle" values. In this case, the median is the average of these two numbers.
For example, the set (1, 2, 6, 8) has four values. The median is calculated by adding the two middle values (2 + 6 = 8) and dividing the sum by 2 (8 ÷ 2 = 4). The median is 4.
*Remember, you will be able to use your calculator on the GED Math test. Focus on understanding why the answer is correct.*