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What is the formula of median? What is mean median mode formula
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Detailed Solution
What is Median?
The median is the middle value in a dataset when arranged in ascending or descending order. It divides the dataset into two equal halves and is a measure of central tendency that is less affected by extreme values (outliers) compared to the mean.
Complete Median Formulas Reference Table
Formula Type | Formula | When to Use | Explanation | Example |
Basic Median (Odd n) | Median = Value at position (n+1)/2 | When total observations (n) is odd | The middle value after arranging data in order | For 5, 7, 9, 12, 15: n=5, Position = (5+1)/2 = 3rd value = 9 |
Basic Median (Even n) | Median = [Value at n/2 + Value at (n/2)+1]/2 | When total observations (n) is even | Average of two middle values | For 4, 6, 8, 10: n=4, Median = (6+8)/2 = 7 |
Median for Grouped Data (Continuous) | Median = L + [(n/2 - CF)/f] × h | For continuous frequency distribution | L = Lower boundary of median class, CF = Cumulative frequency before median class, f = frequency of median class, h = class interval | See detailed example below |
Median for Discrete Series | Median = Value corresponding to (n+1)/2th observation | For discrete data with frequencies | Find cumulative frequency and locate middle position | If n=20, find value at 10.5th position |
Position Formula | Position of Median = (n+1)/2 | To find position before calculating median | Determines which observation is the median | For n=9, position = (9+1)/2 = 5th observation |
Median Class Formula | n/2 | To identify median class in grouped data | Compare with cumulative frequencies to find median class | If n=40, find class containing 20th observation |
Mean-Median-Mode Relationship | Mode = 3 Median - 2 Mean | For moderately skewed distribution | Empirical relationship between measures of central tendency | If Mean=10, Median=12, then Mode = 3(12) - 2(10) = 16 |
Alternative Mean-Mode Formula | Mean = (Mode + 2 Median)/3 | Rearranged empirical formula | Calculate mean when mode and median are known | If Mode=8, Median=10, then Mean = (8 + 2×10)/3 = 9.33 |
Median from Mode and Mean | Median = (2 Mean + Mode)/3 | Another rearrangement of empirical formula | Calculate median when mean and mode are known | If Mean=15, Mode=18, then Median = (2×15 + 18)/3 = 16 |
Detailed Explanations by Category
1. Ungrouped Data (Raw Data)
For Odd Number of Observations:
- Formula: Median = (n+1)/2th term
- Step 1: Arrange data in ascending order
- Step 2: Find position using (n+1)/2
- Step 3: The value at that position is the median
For Even Number of Observations:
- Formula: Median = [n/2th term + (n/2+1)th term]/2
- Step 1: Arrange data in ascending order
- Step 2: Find two middle positions
- Step 3: Take average of values at these positions
2. Grouped Data (Frequency Distribution)
For Continuous Series:
Median = L + [(n/2 - CF)/f] × h
Where:
- L = Lower boundary of median class
- n = Total number of observations
- CF = Cumulative frequency of class before median class
- f = Frequency of median class
- h = Class interval (width)
Steps to Calculate:
- Find n/2
- Create cumulative frequency column
- Identify median class (where cumulative frequency ≥ n/2)
- Apply the formula
3. Relationship Formulas
The empirical relationship between mean, median, and mode:
- In normal distribution: Mean = Median = Mode
- In skewed distribution: Mode = 3 Median - 2 Mean
Practical Examples
Example 1: Ungrouped Data (Odd n)
Data: 12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 28, 30
- n = 7 (odd)
- Position = (7+1)/2 = 4th term
- Median = 22
Example 2: Ungrouped Data (Even n)
Data: 10, 14, 16, 20, 24, 28
- n = 6 (even)
- Middle positions: 3rd and 4th terms
- Values: 16 and 20
- Median = (16+20)/2 = 18
Example 3: Grouped Data
Class | Frequency | Cumulative Frequency |
0-10 | 5 | 5 |
10-20 | 8 | 13 |
20-30 | 12 | 25 |
30-40 | 10 | 35 |
40-50 | 5 | 40 |
- n = 40, n/2 = 20
- Median class: 20-30 (CF = 25 ≥ 20)
- L = 20, CF = 13, f = 12, h = 10
- Median = 20 + [(20-13)/12] × 10 = 20 + 5.83 = 25.83
Key Points to Remember
- Always arrange data in order before finding median for ungrouped data
- Median is not affected by extreme values, making it useful for skewed distributions
- For grouped data, ensure you identify the correct median class
- The empirical relationship between mean, median, and mode works best for moderately skewed, unimodal distributions
- Median divides the dataset into two equal halves by frequency, not by value range
Common Applications
- Statistics Class 10-12: Basic median calculations and relationships
- Competitive Exams: Quick calculation techniques
- Research & Analysis: When dealing with skewed data or outliers
- Business Analytics: Salary analysis, market research
- Quality Control: Process monitoring and control charts
Formula Quick Reference Card
Data Type | Quick Formula |
Raw Data (Odd n) | (n+1)/2th value |
Raw Data (Even n) | Average of n/2th and (n/2+1)th values |
Grouped Data | L + [(n/2-CF)/f] × h |
From Mean & Mode | (2×Mean + Mode)/3 |
Position Only | (n+1)/2 |
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