Finding the Mean: Step-by-Step Example
23 October 2026
Understanding how to find the mean (average) is a key skill for 11+ maths. This step-by-step example will help your child see exactly what to do when given a set of numbers.
Worked example
Find the mean of these numbers: 4, 7, 9, 6, 8
Step 1: Add all the numbers together.
4 + 7 + 9 + 6 + 8 = 34
Step 2: Count how many numbers there are.
There are 5 numbers.
Step 3: Divide the total by the number of numbers.
34 ÷ 5 = 6.8
The correct answer is 6.8.
| Number | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 7 |
| 3 | 9 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 8 |
Key insight: Your child can now spot the mean by adding up all the numbers and dividing by how many there are. The same method is used in many 11+ maths questions, so practising this type of problem will build confidence.
