Handling Data 3

2 marks · Easy

The numbers of pens owned by 7 students are listed below:

3, 6, 6, 2, 8, 5, 4

Work out the median number of pens owned.

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

Show answer

5 (±0)

Common mistakes: Incorrectly finding the mean instead of the median; Not ordering the data

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · Data correctly ordered (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 8) or clear attempt to find the middle value

A1 · 1 mark · Median identified as 5

Worked solution

First, order the data: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 8.

There are 7 numbers. The middle value is the 4th number.

So the median is 5.