In this activity, students learn about the concept of mean or average, in addition to learning several ways to find the mean on the TI-Nspire handheld (including using a spreadsheet and the mean command). Students also use these methods to find the mean when given the frequencies of each number in a list. Lastly, they discover that the same method can be used to find the weighted mean of a set of numbers. An optional extension has students explore how to calculate harmonic and quadratic means.

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first page. Download and distribute the attached .tns file and Student Worksheet for use during the activity. A .tns file containing expected student results is also available for download.

Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.

Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity. If desired, discuss the extension with students.