Grade 6 Mathematics · Unit 2: Understanding the World Around Us Through StatisticsStandard 6.DS.4

Lesson 2.3Median of an Even Set

Start hereWords, worked example, and sentence starters

Name Date Period

Learning target I can find the median of a data set and use it to describe what is typical.

Start hereWords for this lesson

Read each word before you begin. Say it out loud.

WordWhat it meansExample
MedianSpanish: Mediana The middle number when you put them in order. Even count: halfway point
ModeSpanish: Moda The number that shows up most often. Data: 2, 3, 3, 5, 7 → 3 appears twice (most often), so mode = 3
OutlierSpanish: Valor atípico A number that is much bigger or smaller than the rest. 8, 9, 10, 90 → 90
Data distributionSpanish: Distribución de datos How the data looks: where it sits and how spread out it is. If most values cluster in the center with fewer at the ends, the distribution is symmetric
VariabilitySpanish: Variabilidad How spread out the numbers are. 8, 9, 10, 11 has low variability (close together); 2, 10, 25, 40 has high variability (far apart)
Measure of centerSpanish: Medida de tendencia central One number that describes a typical value in a data set. The median is one of them

How it worksWorked examplefinding the median when the count is even

These numbers are not on your problems. The steps are. Follow them with your own numbers.

Six bike rides lasted these numbers of minutes: 52, 67, 58, 62, 55, 70. Find the median.

  1. Order the values: 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 70.
  2. Count them. Six values is an even count, so no single value sits in the middle.
  3. Circle the two middle values, 58 and 62.
  4. Find the number halfway between them: add the pair, then divide that sum by two.

Answer: The median is 60 minutes, the number halfway between 58 and 62.

Now you trySame steps, your turn

The steps are the same as the worked example. The numbers are yours. Do the work.

Six deliveries weighed these numbers of pounds: 34, 47, 39, 31, 43, 37. Find the median.

  1. Order the values:
  2. How many values? Odd or even?
  3. Circle the two middle values: and
  4. Find the number halfway between them. Median: pounds
Answer:median weight in pounds

Say it and write itSentence starters

Finish each sentence out loud with a partner. Then use them in your writing.

  • There are values, so the count is .
  • The two middle values are and .
  • The median is because it sits halfway between them.
  • The median have to be a value from the data set.

Word bank medianorderevenoddmiddlepairhalfwaybetweencentertypicalcounthalf

Watch outA common mistake

A common mistake in Mean, Median, and Mode is finding the median without ordering the data first — students pick the middle number straight from the list as given (for 9, 4, 7, 2, 6 they say the median is 7, the middle position in that original order) instead of sorting least to greatest (2, 4, 6, 7, 9) and finding the true middle value, 6. Before finalizing a median, always reorder the data smallest to largest, then count to the middle position — and if there is an even number of values, average the two middle numbers.

Grade 6 Mathematics · Unit 2: Understanding the World Around Us Through StatisticsStandard 6.DS.4

Lesson 2.3Median of an Even Set

Apply Day · Version ASupported practice

Mastery check☐ Exceeds☐ Meets target☐ Needs practice
Name Date Period

Learning target I can find the median of a data set and use it to describe what is typical.

  1. 1Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Find the median of this data set: 4, 1, 7, 3, 9.

    Show your work

    Hint Put the values in order first.

    Final answer:
  2. 2Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Find the median of this data set: 10, 2, 8, 6.

    Show your work

    Hint Four values have two middle values.

    Final answer:
  3. 3Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Six students read 3, 9, 5, 12, 4 and 8 books. What is the median?

    Show your work

    Hint Order the six values. Find the two middle values.

    Final answer:
How did it go? ☐ 4 · I can teach it☐ 3 · I've got it☐ 2 · I need a hint☐ 1 · I need help
Grade 6 Mathematics · Unit 2: Understanding the World Around Us Through StatisticsStandard 6.DS.4

Lesson 2.3Median of an Even Set

Apply Day · Version BCore practice

Mastery check☐ Exceeds☐ Meets target☐ Needs practice
Name Date Period

Learning target I can find the median of a data set and use it to describe what is typical.

  1. 1Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Mia says the median of 9, 2, 7 is 2 because 2 is in the middle of the list. Is she right? What is the median?

    Show your work
    Final answer:
  2. 2Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Find the median of 2.5, 4, 1.5, 6, 3.

    Show your work
    Final answer:
  3. 3Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Find the median of this data set: 11, 5, 8, 14, 6.

    Show your work
    Final answer:
How did it go? ☐ 4 · I can teach it☐ 3 · I've got it☐ 2 · I need a hint☐ 1 · I need help
Grade 6 Mathematics · Unit 2: Understanding the World Around Us Through StatisticsStandard 6.DS.4

Lesson 2.3Median of an Even Set

Apply Day · ChallengeExtension

Mastery check☐ Exceeds☐ Meets target☐ Needs practice
Name Date Period

Learning target I can find the median of a data set and use it to describe what is typical.

  1. 1Circle the letter of the best answer. Show how you know.

    Find the median of this data set: 12, 7, 15, 9, 20, 11, 8.

    1. A9
    2. B11
    3. C12
    4. D15
    Put the data in order
    Work
  2. 2Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Jon says adding the value 50 to 3, 5, 6, 8 will raise the median by a lot. What is the new median?

    Show your work
    Final answer:
  3. 3Complete each step, then write the final answer.

    Find the median of 7, 3.5, 9, 2, 6.5, 10.

    Show your work
    Final answer:
How did it go? ☐ 4 · I can teach it☐ 3 · I've got it☐ 2 · I need a hint☐ 1 · I need help