Example 1: To find the median of 4,5,7,2,1

Step 1: Count the total numbers given.

There are 5 elements or numbers in the distribution.

Step 2: Arrange the numbers in ascending order.

1,2,4,5,7

Step 3: The total elements in the distribution (5) is odd.

The middle position can be calculated using the formula. (n+1)/2
So the middle position is (5+1)/2 = 6/2 = 3
The number at 3rd position is = Median = 4

Example 2: To find the median of 4,5,7,2,1,8 [Even]

Step 1: Count the total numbers given.
There are 6 elements or numbers in the distribution.

Step 2: Arrange the numbers in ascending order.

1,2,4,5,7,8

Step 3: The total elements in the distribution (6) is even.

As the total is even, we have to take average of number at n/2 and (n/2)+1
So the position are n/2= 6/2 = 3 and 4
The number at 3rd and 4th position are 4,5

Step 4: Find the median.

The average is (4+5)/2 = Median = 4.5