## How to Calculate the Mean (Arithmetic Mean) Let's walk through the steps **using your dataset** to find the mean: ### **Step 1: Identify the Numbers** The dataset provided is: ``` 16, 17, 19, 25, 26, 27, 27, 30, 31 ``` ### **Step 2: Add All the Numbers** Sum them up: \[ 16 + 17 + 19 + 25 + 26 + 27 + 27 + 30 + 31 \] Let's add them step by step: - \(16 + 17 = 33\) - \(33 + 19 = 52\) - \(52 + 25 = 77\) - \(77 + 26 = 103\) - \(103 + 27 = 130\) - \(130 + 27 = 157\) - \(157 + 30 = 187\) - \(187 + 31 = 218\) **Total sum = 218** ### **Step 3: Count the Numbers** How many numbers are there? There are **9** numbers. ### **Step 4: Divide the Total Sum by the Count** \[ \text{Mean} = \frac{218}{9} \approx 24.22 \] ### **Answer Choices** Your options were: - 8 - 191 - 25.5 - 23.875 - **24.286** - 27.286 The closest to our result is **24.286** (rounded from 24.222...). --- ## **Final Answer** **The mean (arithmetic mean) of the dataset is approximately \(\boxed{24.286}\).** Let me know if you need help with another concept!