What is the difference between mean and median?

The correct answer highlights the distinction between mean and median in a clear and accurate manner. The mean, commonly referred to as the average, is calculated by adding all the numbers in a data set together and then dividing this sum by the total number of values. This measure provides a central tendency of the data but can be affected by extreme values, or outliers.

On the other hand, the median is defined as the middle value when the data set is arranged in ascending or descending order. If there is an even number of values, the median is calculated by taking the average of the two middle numbers. The median is particularly useful in datasets with outliers since it represents the value that divides the data set into two equal halves without being skewed by extreme values.

This distinction is important in statistics, as both measures give insights into the data, but they do so in different ways. Understanding this difference allows for more informed decisions about which measure to use depending on the context and nature of the data set.