Median
The middle value of an ordered list.
Key idea
The middle value of an ordered list.
In depth
The median is the middle value of ordered data (average of two middle values if n is even). It is resistant to outliers, so it better describes skewed data.
Worked example
Data 3, 5, 7, 9, 100: median 7 (the mean is 24.8).
Real-world uses
- Describing a typical house price or income, which is less affected by very large values
Common mistake
Failing to order the data first.
How to learn this
- Read the key idea and say it in your own words.
- Work through the worked example, then try a similar problem.
- Use the interactive lesson’s visual and mini-quiz to check the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Median?
The middle value of an ordered list. It is a topic at the intermediate level in Probability & Statistics.
Where is Median used in real life?
Real-world examples: Describing a typical house price or income, which is less affected by very large values.
What should I learn before Median?
Make sure you are comfortable with Mean, the previous topic in Probability & Statistics.
What is a common mistake with Median?
Failing to order the data first.
How can I practise Median?
Open the interactive lesson, play with the visual, then answer the three-question mini-quiz. Getting two right marks the topic complete.
What comes after Median?
Move on to Mode next.
Related intermediate topics in Probability & Statistics
- Collecting Data and Sampling – Surveys, experiments and random sampling.
- Bias in Sampling – Systematic errors that make samples unrepresentative.
- Histograms – Bars showing frequency of numerical intervals.
- Dot Plots and Stem-and-Leaf Plots – Show the shape of small datasets.
- Mean – The arithmetic average.
- Range – Difference between maximum and minimum.