How do I find the average of two averages?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average of two averages derived from different sets of measurements. Participants explore the mathematical approach to find the overall mean when given the means of two groups of data, with a focus on the implications of the number of measurements in each group.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a scenario with two averages: 10.2 for "n" measurements and 10.8 for "2n" measurements, asking for the overall mean.
  • Another participant questions the calculation of the sum of the measurements based on the given averages.
  • Several participants propose the formula $\dfrac{10.2 \cdot n + 10.8 \cdot 2n}{n + 2n}$ to compute the overall mean.
  • There is confusion regarding the calculations, with one participant suggesting that the answer is 21, which is challenged by others.
  • Another participant corrects a previous claim about the sum of the measurements, stating it should be 31.8n instead of 31.7n, leading to a different average calculation.
  • Discrepancies arise regarding the correct interpretation of the sums involved and the resulting average, with participants suggesting different values such as 10.6 and 10.5666... as potential answers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the final average value, with multiple competing calculations and interpretations presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps and assumptions regarding the calculations of sums and averages, leading to different proposed solutions.

Math_312 46
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In a statistical study, several measurements were taken and the average value of the measurements was 10.2. In a new survey, twice as many measurements were taken and the mean of these measurements was 10.8. What is the mean of all the measurements?
 
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If the mean of "n" numbers is is 10.2 what is their sum?
If the mean of "2n" numbers is 10.8, what is their sum?

So what is the sum of all 3n items? What is theit mean?
 
Are you suggesting that I do this:
10.2 n / n = 10.2

or have I misunderstood you?
 
$\dfrac{10.2 \cdot n + 10.8 \cdot 2n}{n + 2n}$
 
skeeter said:
$\dfrac{10.2 \cdot n + 10.8 \cdot 2n}{n + 2n}$

So if I do this calculation, the answer is 21?
 
Math_312 46 said:
So if I do this calculation, the answer is 21?
no
 
skeeter said:
no

Is it then 7 or 15,9?
 
Math_312 46 said:
Is it then 7 or 15,9?

nosimplify the numerator
what does $(10.2)(n) + (10.8)(2n)$ equal?

simplify the denominator
what does $n+2n$ equal?

determine those two sums, then divide.
 
skeeter said:
nosimplify the numerator
what does $(10.2)(n) + (10.8)(2n)$ equal?

simplify the denominator
what does $n+2n$ equal?

determine those two sums, then divide.

Ah, I see now. So the answer is then 10,6?
 
  • #10
Math_312 46 said:
Are you suggesting that I do this:
10.2 n / n = 10.2

or have I misunderstood you?
I was suggesting that you ANSWER THE QUESTIONS I ASKED!
 
  • #11
I said, in my first response was
Country Boy said:
If the mean of "n" numbers is is 10.2 what is their sum?
10.1n

If the mean of "2n" numbers is 10.8, what is their sum?
(10.8)(2n)= 21.6n

So what is the sum of all 3n items?[\quote]
10.1n+ 21.6n= 31.7n

What is their mean?
31.7n/(3n)= 31.7/3= 10.5666...
 
  • #12
You have the wrong answer because n times 10.2 is 10.2n NOT 10.1n as you used.
2n times 10.8 is 21.6n as you have.

Altogether those add to 10.2n+ 21.6n= 31.8n.

The average of those 3n values is 31.8/3= 10.6.
 

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