Average - GCSE Maths Definition
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What does average mean?
In GCSE maths, there are three types of average. These are the mean, median, and mode. Generally, if someone refers to “average” they are referring to the mean. In your GCSE exam it will specify which type of average is being used.
What is the mean?
In GCSE maths, the definition of the mean is the average of several values found by summing them, and then dividing by the number of values. For example, the mean of 1, 3, 5, 7 would be (1+3+5+7) ÷ 4 = 4.
What is the median?
In GCSE maths, the definition of the median is the middle value when the values are written in numerical order. For example, the median of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 would be 5. If there is an even number of values, the median is halfway between the central two values. For example, the median of 1, 3, 5, 7 is 4, as this is halfway between 3 and 5.
What is the mode?
In GCSE maths, the definition of the mode is the most frequent value in the data. For example, the mode of 1, 3, 3, 5, 5, 5, 7 is 5, as 5 appears the most times.
Revision resources about averages to ace your exams
Learn more about the different types of averages with our revision notes. To test your knowledge, try our exam questions for statistics.
For quick-fire GCSE maths revision use our collection of interactive flashcards for GCSE maths. We also have past papers for your exam practice.
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