The mean is the average of all the points in the set of data. You can find the average by finding the sum of every point in the set and then dividing that answer by the number of points.
Finding the mean-
To find the average you do not need to put the data in order, so if the points are not in numerical order it will not make a difference in your mean answer.
The first step to find the mean is to find the sum of every point in the set.
Once you have found the sum you will then add up how many terms there are and divide the sum by that number and that will be the mean of your set of data.
Solving for unknown value when given the mean
A common problem seen when dealing with mean is given multiple values and you are asked to find one of the values in order to get a certain mean.
First layout the points, and add an x to show that you are finding the unknown point and then you will put the number of points under that including the unknown as one.
Then find the sum of those numbers and x.
Next multiply the number of terms to the mean on the other side.
Last you will solve for x jus like a one step equation and the value of x is the number that will make the data points equal to the mean given.