The average of 10, 12, 16 and 18 is?

Appeared in: DHS 2018 shift 1st

Explanation

The average, or arithmetic mean, is calculated by dividing the sum of all given values by the total number of values.
First, sum the numbers: 10 + 12 + 16 + 18 = 56.
Next, count the number of values in the set, which is 4.
Finally, divide the sum by the count: 56 ÷ 4 = 14.

Option B: This is an incorrect calculation. An average of 13 would require the sum of the four numbers to be 52 (13 × 4), but the actual sum is 56.
Option C: This is an incorrect calculation. An average of 12 would require the sum of the four numbers to be 48 (12 × 4), but the actual sum is 56.
Option D: This is an incorrect calculation. An average of 15 would require the sum of the four numbers to be 60 (15 × 4), but the actual sum is 56.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculation of Arithmetic Mean (Average) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Calculating averages is a crucial skill in nursing for tasks like determining the average fluid intake/output over a shift, averaging a series of blood pressure readings, or calculating mean arterial pressure (MAP).
For example, if a patient's hourly urine output is 50 mL, 60 mL, 70 mL, and 80 mL over 4 hours, the average output is (50+60+70+80)/4 = 65 mL/hr, which helps in assessing renal function.
What if? - If one of the numbers was an extreme outlier (e.g., 10, 12, 16, 108 instead of 18), the average would be skewed to (10+12+16+108)/4 = 36.5. In such cases, a nurse might also consider the median to get a better sense of the central tendency.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify all the numbers in the set provided in the question: 10, 12, 16, and 18.
Second, calculate the sum of all these numbers.
Third, count how many numbers are in the set.
Fourth, apply the formula for the average: Average = (Sum of numbers) ÷ (Count of numbers).
Finally, perform the division to find the result and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qx6GLJQhDzzem0df5-c31q

E6 NursingResearch Sukhpal Kaur p. 441-443

E6 NursingResearch Suresh Sharma 5e Part 2 p. 131-133

Practise the full DHS 2018 shift 1st

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.