1. What is Median?

The median is the middle value in an ordered data set. Unlike the mean, it's not affected by extremely high or low values, making it a robust measure of central tendency.

2. How to Calculate Median

To calculate the median:

Steps:

1. Arrange all numbers in order (ascending or descending)
2. Count the number of values (n)
3. If n is odd: median is the middle number
4. If n is even: median is average of two middle numbers

3. When to Use Median

Use median when:

• Data has outliers or is skewed
• Working with ordinal data
• You need a measure resistant to extreme values

4. Using the Calculator

Instructions: Enter numbers separated by commas. The calculator will sort them and find the median value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between median and mean?
A: Mean is the average (sum divided by count), while median is the middle value. Median is less affected by outliers.

Q2: When should I use median instead of mean?
A: Use median for skewed distributions or when outliers are present (e.g., income data).

Q3: How does median work with even number of values?
A: For even counts, the median is the average of the two middle numbers after sorting.

Q4: Can median be used for categorical data?
A: Only for ordinal data where values have a meaningful order. Not for nominal categories.

Q5: What if all values are the same?
A: The median will equal that value (same as the mean in this case).