The median is the middle value when the data is placed in order, or the average of the two middle values if there is an even count. Outliers barely move it, which is why it is the safer average for skewed data.
Math Dictionary / Median
Median
The median is the middle value when data are listed in order.
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What it means
If there are two middle values, average those two values.
Also called: middle value
Examples
| Median of 2, 5, 9 is 5 |
| Median of 2, 5, 9, 12 is 7 |
| Order the data first |
Common mistake
Always put the data in order before finding the middle.
Try one
Question: Find the median of 9, 3, 6.
Show answer
Order them as 3, 6, 9. The median is 6.