How do I compare ages using mean and median. For the first group 12 was both the mean and the median while for the second group, 16 was the mean while 18.5 was the median.

looks like the 2nd group were generally older.

How would I explain that using the mean(s) and median(s)?

the mean is the average age. The median is the central value.

Assuming a similar distribution of ages, a higher mean or median will indicate a higher group of numbers.

To compare ages using mean and median, follow these steps:

1. Calculate the mean:
- Add up all the ages in the group.
- Divide the sum by the total number of ages.

2. Calculate the median:
- Arrange the ages in ascending order.
- If there is an odd number of ages, the median is the middle value.
- If there is an even number of ages, the median is the average of the two middle values.

In the first group:
- Since 12 is both the mean and the median, it suggests that the ages are evenly distributed around 12. It indicates that the majority of ages are close to 12.

In the second group:
- The mean is 16, indicating that the sum of all ages divided by the total number of ages equals 16.
- The median is 18.5, suggesting that the middle value of the ages is 18.5 after they have been arranged in ascending order.
- This discrepancy between the mean and the median suggests that there may be some ages that are significantly higher than the rest, pulling the mean higher, while the majority of ages are closer to 18.5.

Comparing the two groups:
- The mean and median are the same (12) in the first group, indicating that the ages are evenly distributed around 12.
- In the second group, the mean (16) is higher than the median (18.5), suggesting that there may be some outliers (ages significantly higher) pulling the mean up.

Therefore, the comparison shows that the ages in the first group are evenly distributed around 12, while in the second group, there may be some ages significantly higher than the rest.