Median Formula:
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The median formula for grouped data calculates the middle value of a dataset that has been organized into frequency intervals. It provides a measure of central tendency that divides the data into two equal halves.
The calculator uses the median formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula locates the median class and interpolates within that class to find the exact median value.
Details: The median is a robust measure of central tendency that is less affected by extreme values (outliers) than the mean. It's particularly useful for skewed distributions and provides a better representation of the typical value in many real-world scenarios.
Tips: Enter all required values with appropriate units. Ensure that the cumulative frequency (cf) is for the class immediately before the median class, and that the frequency (f) is for the median class itself.
Q1: When should I use the median instead of the mean?
A: Use the median when your data is skewed or contains outliers, as it provides a better measure of central tendency in these cases.
Q2: How do I identify the median class?
A: The median class is the class where the cumulative frequency reaches or exceeds n/2 for the first time.
Q3: What if my data isn't grouped?
A: For ungrouped data, simply arrange values in order and find the middle value (or average of two middle values for even-numbered datasets).
Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula assumes data is evenly distributed within each class interval, which may not always be accurate.
Q5: Can this formula be used for any type of data?
A: The formula works best for continuous numerical data that has been grouped into intervals. It's less suitable for categorical data.