Data handling and averages

Junior High 6 questions

What data handling and averages means

You learn how to organise data and use it to find a typical value from a set of numbers. This helps you answer questions about class results, survey figures, and simple charts with confidence.

What you will practise

Work out the mean by adding values and dividing by the number of items
Find the median after arranging numbers in order from smallest to largest
Identify the mode as the value that appears most often
Read simple charts and use the information to answer questions

Before you start

You should be comfortable with adding, dividing, and arranging numbers in order. It also helps to know how to read simple tables, pictographs, and bar charts.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Find the mean of 4, 7, 9, 12.

Answer: 8

Working: Mean = (4 + 7 + 9 + 12) ÷ 4 = 32 ÷ 4 = 8.

Common mistakes to avoid

Forgetting to order the numbers before finding the median. Arrange them first.
Adding the numbers but dividing by the wrong count. Use all the values.
Choosing the first repeated number instead of the one that appears most often. Count carefully.
Reading a chart too quickly and missing the labels or scale. Check both before answering.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 7 to 9 syllabusBECE

This topic usually appears in Junior High School data handling work, where you practise summarising and interpreting data. It supports the type of calculation and chart-reading often tested in the BECE.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.