How is the mean defined in basic statistics?

The mean in basic statistics is defined as the sum of all values in a dataset divided by the total number of values in that dataset. This statistical measure provides a central value, representing the average of the data points. The mean is often used in various fields, including healthcare and social science, as it helps to summarize large datasets with a single representative number.

In practical terms, calculating the mean involves adding together all of the individual values (for instance, test scores, measurements, etc.) and then dividing that total by how many values there are. This method ensures that each data point contributes equally to the final average, making it a reliable measure of central tendency when the data is normally distributed and there are no extreme outliers.