How is the mean of a data set calculated?

The mean of a data set is calculated by summing all the values in the set and then dividing that sum by the number of items in the set. This method provides the average value, which is a central measure of the data. It gives an indication of the overall level of the dataset, reflecting the typical value around which the numbers cluster. This process ensures that each value contributes evenly to the final result, making the mean an important statistical measure for understanding data trends and distributions.

The other methods listed do not accurately calculate the mean. For example, finding the middle value refers to finding the median, while identifying the most frequent value pertains to the mode. Calculating the range gives the difference between the maximum and minimum values, which does not reflect the central tendency of the data set like the mean does.