What is the median of the following data set? {6, 3, 9, 1, 7}

Hi there!

Before we even answer the question, we need to remember that in order to find the median, the data should be arranged in order from least to greatest.

They give us 6, 3, 9, 1, 7

This is not from least to greatest. So we need to re-arrange it

1, 3, 6, 7, 9

Now the question is, how do we find the media after we re-arranged it?

The answer is: A median is the middle number in a data set when data are put in order.

We need to look for that middle number.

1,3,6,7,9

we cancelled 1, we cancelled 9,

we cancelled 3, we cancelled 7

We find that the middle number is 6

So, the median of the data set is 6 (that's the answer).

P. S. Make sure you always put the data set from least to greatest. If you don't do that, you will always get the median wrong.