Difference between Average and Mean: Overview, Questions, Preparation

What are an average and a mean?

Average and mean are two terms which are used interchangeably, and one should be aware of using them. When it comes to statistics, mean is used instead of average. An average is quite similar to mean, but there is a major difference in them. So, if you understand the difference between average and mean, it would be highly helpful.

Average

An average is calculated by the sum of all the observations which is divided by the total number of observations. 
Average = Sum of all the observations/Total number of observations

Mean

A mean is calculated by the sum of the largest and the smallest observation and divide it by two. It is basically the average of a given sample. There are different kinds of mean, like Arithmetic, harmonic, geometric, etc.

Mean = Sum of the largest and the smallest observation/2

Difference between mean & average

Let us look at the differences between a mean & an average.

In the chapter, ‘Statistics’ you would understand the mean, median and mode in detail along with the graphical representation of cumulative frequency distribution.

1. The following frequency gives the monthly consumption of 68 consumers of a locality. Find the mean?

Solution.

Mean = (∑f_i x_i/∑f_i)
       Mean = 9320/68
       Mean = 137.05

2. The marks obtained by 30 students of Class X in maths out of 100 are given below. Find the mean?

Solution.

Mean = (∑f_i x_i/∑f_i)

        = 1779/30

Mean = 59.3

3. The table below depicts the literacy rate of 35 cities. Find the mean literacy rate.

Solution.

 Mean = (∑f_i x_i/∑f_i)

 Mean= 2430/35 = 69.43%

Q: What is an average?

Q: What is a mean?

Q: Name some different types of mean?

Q: Who can give us the value of median and mode?

Q: State one difference between a mean and an average?