Mean, Median, Mode

Lyrics

CHORUS
Mean is the average, Median the middle
Mode is the most frequent—it can be big or little
Mean is the average, Median is the middle
Mode is the most frequent—plain and simple.

VERSE 1
When we wanna analyze a group of data in a set,
Mean median and mode are useful numbers to get
Let's try a small set of numbers, just a few
6 1 5 6 2

Now if you wanna find the mean, just add 'em up
Then divide by the number of numbers you got
These 5 numbers add to 20, no less no more,
Divide by 5 and your mean is 4.

CHORUS
Mean is the average, Median the middle
Mode is the most frequent—it can be big or little
Mean is the average, Median is the middle
Mode is the most frequent—plain and simple

VERSE 2
Now if median is what you're trying to get
You've gotta change the order of the numbers in the set
Make them low to high or maybe big to little
Then you just find which one lands in the middle

So remember the numbers that we gave to you
6 1 5 6 2
Order them 1 2 5 6 6
The median is 5—see, that was quick!

CHORUS
Mean is the average, Median the middle
Mode is the most frequent—it can be big or little
Mean is the average, Median is the middle
Mode is the most frequent—plain and simple

VERSE 3
The mode is the number that pops up the most
It might be far from the mean but it's probably close
See, sometimes you get a skewed set of data
Mode gives you more information you can use later

So in our set that we have, just to review:
6 1 5 6 2
The 6 appears twice, that's more than the rest
So 6 is your mode and you can ace the test.

CHORUS
Mean is the average, Median the middle
Mode is the most frequent—it can be big or little
Mean is the average, Median is the middle
Mode is the most frequent—plain and simple

↥ return to top

Description

This song for teaching mean, median, and mode introduces basic information about the best use of mean, median, and mode. Lyrics contain information about each term, processes used to find results, and simple examples to illustrate. This song is a great introduction to understanding how to define mean, median, and mode and their applications. The accompanying classroom materials include puzzles, mean, median, mode printable worksheets, games, and online resources that enhance the song and offer additional opportunities for learning.

This mean, median, mode explanation was created for students in upper elementary school (4th grade and 5th grade), middle school students (6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade), and high school students.

↥ return to top

Related Reading and Activities

BBC Maths
This site that uses simple, straightforward definitions and examples to help students learn mean, median, mode and subsequent concepts. The games for younger students use colorful graphics, real world examples and familiar objects. (see if your students can spot the typographical error in the first game finding ‘mean’). The more sophisticated games are suitable for older student up through 10th grade. Includes a “Test Bite” at the end; a quiz that will help reinforce the concepts presented on the site. Several levels.
Grades 4-10

Quia.com
A clever game called “Rags to Riches” could be fun as an individual or team activity. Good for boosting addition skills as well.
Grades 5-8

Math Is Fun
A reliable site with good information and games for younger students. A couple of examples use negative numbers in their computation. A good skill-building site.
Grades 5-8

Sporcle Games : Mean, Median
The interactive games on Sporcle will help students reinforce their knowledge of median and mode. Definitions are not provided, so students should have some prior knowledge before playing. Games are timed so good math skills are helpful. Good for team activity.
Grade 6 and up.

Math Goodies
This Math Goodies site provides clear definitions of mean, median and mode, with sample math problems and solutions for students to examine. At the end of each “lesson,” there are several practice problems for students to solve on their own. At the bottom of the page there are other games including explanations and games for non-routine mean solving as well as some interesting ‘challenge’ exercises.
Grade 7 and up.

↥ return to top

State Standards

State standards listed here are representative of school standards across the United States.

CALIFORNIA

Grade 5
1.0 Students display, analyze, compare, and interpret different data sets, including data sets of different sizes.
1.1 Know the concepts of mean, median, and mode; computer and compare simple examples to show that they may differ.

FLORIDA

Grade 6
MA.6.S.6.1: Determine the measure of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and variability (range) for a given set of data.
MA.6.S.6.2: Select and analyze the measures of central tendency or variability to represent, describe, analyze, and/or summarize a data set for the purposes of answering questions appropriately.

ILLINOIS

High School
1. Summarize, represent and interpret data on a single count or measurement variable (S-ID)
2. Use statistics appropriate to the shape of the data distribution to compare center (median, mean) and spread (interquartile range, standard deviation of two or more different data sets)

MASSACHUSETTS

Grades 5
5.D.1. Given a set of data, find the median, mean and mode, maximum and minimum and range, and apply to solutions of problems.
Grade 7
7.D.2. Find, describe and interpret measures of central tendency (mean, median and mode) and spread (range) that represent a set of data. Use these notions to compare different sets of data.

NEW YORK

Grade 6
6.S.5: Determine mean, mode and median for a given set of data

TEXAS

Grade 6
10) Probability and Statistics. The student uses statistical representations to analyze data. The student is expected to:

(B) identify mean (using concrete objects and pictorial models), median, mode, and range of a set of data

Grade 7
12) Probability and statistics. The student uses measures of central tendency and variability to describe a set of data. The student is expected to:

(A) describe a set of data using mean, median, mode, and range;
(B) choose among mean, median, mode, or range to describe a set of data and justify the choice for a particular situation

↥ return to top