* Arithmetic Mean: This is the most common type of mean. It's calculated by adding up all the values in a set and then dividing by the total number of values.
* Geometric Mean: Used when dealing with data that grows exponentially. It's calculated by multiplying all the values in a set and then taking the nth root, where n is the number of values.
* Harmonic Mean: Useful for averaging rates or ratios. It's calculated by taking the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocals of the values in a set.
Example:
* Definition: The mean height of a group of students is 5 feet 8 inches.
This means that the average height of all the students in the group is 5 feet 8 inches.
Important Note:
While "mean" often refers to the average, there are other situations where it might have different meanings, depending on the context. For example:
* "Mean" can describe a person's behavior: Someone can be described as "mean" if they are unkind or cruel.
* "Mean" can be used to describe a general concept: "What does it mean to be successful?"
To understand the meaning of "mean" in a specific context, pay close attention to the surrounding words and phrases.